NCJ Number
124913
Journal
Journal of Drug Education Volume: 20 Issue: 1 Dated: (1990) Pages: 47-65
Date Published
1990
Length
19 pages
Annotation
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between occupational stress and drug use with particular attention to the teaching profession.
Abstract
Work-related stress is predicted to be associated with wanting to leave the teaching profession and drug use. One source of stress for teachers is the fact that teaching, as a profession, is undergoing critical examination by the public, government agencies, and public interest groups. Continuing problems in the classroom are another source of teacher stress. This study surveyed a random sample of 500 Texas teachers regarding working conditions, collegial and supervisory relationships, job satisfaction, rigidity of attitudes, and drug use. Results showed that 66 percent of the respondents said that they were thinking of quitting the teaching profession. Teachers reported higher rates than a national sample of lifetime alcohol, amphetamine, and tranquilizer use and higher rates of alcohol use in the last year and last month. These findings suggest that teachers adapt to stress by considering leaving the profession. 8 tables, 39 references. (Author abstract modified)