A manual-based group program to improve mental health: what kind of teachers are interested and who stands to benefit from this program?

Abstract

Purpose: In order to evaluate a manual-based group program for teachers aiming at strengthening mental health, we examined (1) whether the teachers interested in participating differ from their colleagues without interest and (2) whether there is evidence of subgroups benefiting more than others among those who participated.

Methods: Out of a basic sample of 949 schoolteachers, 337 teachers declared interest in a group program. All teachers were surveyed with the "General Health Questionnaire", the "Maslach Burnout Inventory" and the "Effort Reward Imbalance Questionnaire". In addition, participating teachers were screened with the "Symptom Checklist 27" T and χ(2)-tests were calculated to detect differences between those interested in the program and the remaining 612 teachers. Six factors were established and used for a regression analysis that identified specific parameters more or less correlating with health benefits of those who participated in the program.

Results: Findings showed that those declaring interest in the intervention displayed a higher degree of occupational stress according to all health parameters examined. Teachers interested in the program were significantly younger, more frequently female and single. The regression analysis showed that the baseline scores of the six health parameters were the strongest predictors for improvement. Worse scores before the beginning of the intervention correlated with a more positive effect.

Conclusions: Intervention programs aiming at alleviating the mental stress of teachers find the interest of those who need it most. More importantly, the latter are the ones who--at least if our program is applied-benefit best.