Occupational Stress and Professional Deformation Among University Academic Staff

Abstract

Occupational stress and professional deformation is an important issue that should be studied not only within the different industries, but also within each company separately.

The results of numerous studies of educational sector indicate on high levels of stress in pedagogical profession; research also indicates on professional deformation of those working in educational sphere for a longer time period. The study (N = 100) involved the academic staff of one of the Latvian state universities, which is famous for its history, traditions and constant values. The aim of the research was to measure the stress level of the academic staff, and to find out if there is a correlation between the occupational stress and professional deformation.

The research applied occupational stress questionnaire (Fontana, 1991) and the survey for studying professional deformation (based upon the questionnaire by Rogov, 1999). For data processing SPSS 22 software was used. The research results highlighted professional deformation features as well as significant correlations between all professional deformation scales and occupational stress – the higher the occupational stress, the more significant behavioural changes.

The paper argues that academic staff should be informed and educated about the signs and expressions of professional deformation. Different techniques for reducing stress can be recommended, and it is also suggested for the management of the academic institution to pay a thorough attention to such issues as stress and professional deformation.