Stress in emergency telephone number operators during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of self-efficacy and Big Five personality traits

The effect of risk of contracting and fear of COVID-19 on burnout and job satisfaction in Polish teachers

BACKGROUND

Fear of COVID-19 and its related complications can negatively affect well-being and contribute to less effective daily and professional functioning. Based on Maslach's burnout concept, this study aimed to verify the relationship between risk of contracting and fear of COVID-19, occupational burnout and job satisfaction in Polish teachers during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE

Three hundred fifty-two teachers, aged between 22 and 68, participated in this study. In the studied sample, 252 people worked remotely, 41 in-person and 59 were hybrid workers. The Risk of Contracting COVID-19 Scale, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Brief Job Satisfaction Scale were used.

RESULTS

Risk of contracting COVID-19 was positively related to fear of COVID-19 and emotional exhaustion. Moreover, fear of COVID-19 was negatively related to personal accomplishment and positively related to emotional exhaustion. Lastly, all three dimensions of occupational burnout were significantly related to job satisfaction. There was no direct relationship between fear of COVID-19 and job satisfaction. This relation was mediated by two scales of occupational burnout: personal accomplishment and emotional exhaustion. All three subscales of occupational burnout were significant predictors of job satisfaction, explaining 53% of its variance.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study showed a relationship between the risk perception of COVID-19, occupational burnout and job satisfaction in Polish teachers during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results obtained in the study may contribute to the understanding of the effects of the pandemic for the professional group of educators.

Perceived stress and life satisfaction in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: the mediating role of fear of childbirth and self-esteem

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the functioning and well-being of pregnant women. Negative feelings during pregnancy and the difficult pandemic situation may be the reason behind the perceived fear of childbirth, which can negatively affect the pregnant women's life satisfaction. On the other hand, some protective factors, such as self-esteem, might mediate the relationship between perceived stress and well-being in pregnant women.

PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE

Our study aimed to determine the relationship between perceived stress, fear of childbirth, self-esteem and life satisfaction. A total of 262 Polish pregnant women participated in this study. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Fear of Childbirth Scale (KLP II), Self-Esteem Scale (SES) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were used in the study.

RESULTS

The results showed that perceived stress, fear of childbirth and self-esteem acted as significant predictors of life satisfaction in the tested group of pregnant women. Additionally, fear of childbirth and self-esteem played a mediational role in the relationship between perceived stress and life satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

According to Diener's concept, life satisfaction is an important component of one's subjective well-being and health. Therefore, it is important to analyse factors that may mediate the impact of stress on pregnant women's life satisfaction. The present results might suggest that during pregnancy and preparation for childbirth, women should be provided with appropriate psychological care. Support from medical and psychological specialists, as well as from relatives, can reduce the level of perceived fears and strengthen personal resources. Based on the present results, we conclude that the fear of childbirth and the self-esteem of pregnant women should not be underestimated, as they are important predictors of their life satisfaction.