Experiences and consequences of emotion work: a mixed methods study in pedagogical professions
International Journal of Workplace Health Management
ISSN: 1753-8351
Article publication date: 10 June 2024
Issue publication date: 21 November 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Outside of teaching, little knowledge exists about the emotion work of pedagogical professionals, i.e., the emotion work that is performed in kindergartens, residential homes or school counseling. This study addresses this shortcoming by answering the questions (1) how is emotion work experienced and coped with in pedagogical professions? and (2) how does pedagogical professionals’ emotion work relate to burnout?
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory sequential mixed methods approach consisting of an interview and a questionnaire was applied. First, n = 10 interviews were conducted to investigate how emotion work is experienced and managed by pedagogical professionals. Second, hypotheses regarding the relationship between identified resources and burnout were derived and empirically tested in a questionnaire survey with n = 97 participants.
Findings
The interviews provided insight into various emotional job demands and resources. Emotion work has been shown to be a key aspect of pedagogical work. Detached concern was identified as an emotion-regulating resource in coping with the resulting emotional job demands. The results of the quantitative phase revealed that pedagogical professionals’ detached concern plays a vital role in preventing burnout.
Originality/value
This study adds new insights to the understanding of emotion work performed in care work professions outside of teaching. The acknowledgement of pedagogical work, as skilled (emotion) work, and the investigation of resources is an important step in improving the working conditions of pedagogical professionals and thus protecting their health and well-being.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The project on which this article is based was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research under the funding code 03FHP122. The responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the authors.
Citation
Mai, J., Lennarz, H.K., Tadsen, W.N. and Titze, C. (2024), "Experiences and consequences of emotion work: a mixed methods study in pedagogical professions", International Journal of Workplace Health Management, Vol. 17 No. 5/6, pp. 447-465. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJWHM-08-2023-0101
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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