Student misbehavior and teacher well-being: Testing the mediating role of the teacher-student relationship. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aldrup, Karen; Klusmann, Uta; Lüdtke, Oliver; Göllner, Richard; Trautwein, Ulrich
• Is Part Of: Learning and instruction. Volume 58(2018)
• Page Start: 126
• Page End: 136
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Teacher-student relationship -- Student misbehavior -- Emotional exhaustion -- Work enthusiasm -- Student and teacher ratings; Learning -- Periodicals; Teaching -- Periodicals; Apprentissage -- Périodiques; Enseignement -- Périodiques; Learning; Teaching; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 370.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.learninstruc.2018.05.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-4752

Abstract

Abstract: Asked about major job stressors, teachers consistently name classroom disturbances or disciplinary problems. Furthermore, student misbehavior has been linked to reduced occupational well-being. However, there is a pressing need to uncover the psychological processes explaining this association. In their model of teacher well-being, Spilt, Koomen, and Thijs (2011) suggested the teacher-student relationship as a mediator. To test this assumption, the present study used longitudinal data from N = 222 teachers who rated student misbehavior in their classroom, the teacher-student relationship, and their well-being in terms of emotional exhaustion and work enthusiasm. In addition, the teachers' students ( N = 4111) were asked about behavior problems in their class. The results revealed links between teacher-rated student misbehavior, increased exhaustion, and decreased enthusiasm. Student-rated misbehavior was correlated with teacher well-being to a lesser extent. Furthermore, the teacher-student relationship was positively associated with teacher well-being and mediated the link between teacher-perceived misbehavior and enthusiasm. Highlights: Teachers perceiving more student misbehavior report reduced occupational well-being. Student-reported misbehavior does not predict changes in teacher well-being. Teachers report less positive teacher-student relationship in light of misbehavior. Negative teacher-student relationship is linked to lower occupational well-being. Relationship mediates link between teacher-reported misbehavior and well-being.