When teaching gets tough – Professional community inhibitors of teacher-targeted bullying and turnover intentions

Kirsi Pyhältö, Janne Pietarinen, Tiina Soini

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

    16 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Bullying in school has become an international concern in recent decades. Yet, we know surprisingly little about inhibitors of teacher-targeted bullying. The study focused on exploring the interrelation between the teacher–working environment fit, bullying, experienced exhaustion and turnover intentions. Altogether 2310 comprehensive school teachers completed the professional agency survey. The analysis was carried out using structural equation modelling (SEM). The results confirmed that the teacher–working environment fit, that is, receiving collegial support and acknowledgement, combined with a positive professional climate and ability to solve problems constructively, can function as inhibitors of both teacher-targeted bullying and exhaustion. Also, a modest reciprocal relationship between bullying and experienced exhaustion was detected. The study further showed exhaustion and bullying to be significant determinants of teacher turnover.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)263-276
    Number of pages14
    JournalIMPROVING SCHOOLS
    Volume18
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2015
    Publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

    Keywords

    • Exhaustion
    • teacher turnover
    • teacher-targeted bullying
    • working environment fit

    Publication forum classification

    • Publication forum level 1

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