Social Support and Traditional Forms of Recreation as Coping from Occupational Stress among the Tribal Primary Teachers of Meghalaya, India

This study was conducted in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya, India. It explored the causes of occupational stress among primary teachers and investigated for possible solutions. Social support and traditional forms of recreation among the Khasis have been identified as coping strategies for this study. Occupational stress is something that cannot be avoided (Cosgrove, ۲۰۰۰). Many teachers, specifically, primary teachers are not exempted from the effects of occupational stress. Studies provided evidence that shows leisure as a coping resource against chronic and acute stress (Hutchinson et al., ۲۰۰۸). Cultural leisure was found more effective in making people from a particular community and believed that this leisure helps with their well-being (Iwasaki, ۲۰۰۳). This study captured the traditional forms of recreation among the Khasis for coping with occupational stress in the form of a video documentary. Through a mixed-method research design, the levels of occupational stress and social support, relationship between the variables and demographic profile and also qualitative aspects such as the causes for occupational stress, coping strategies, and the traditional forms of recreation were recorded. Various stakeholders which such as heads of school and community leaders confirmed and recommended the revitalization of social support through family and other significant others that will continue to play an important role in the everyday life of primary teachers in Meghalaya. The wide publicity of the video documentary and the integration of traditional forms of recreation in school and community programs were strongly recommended to become popularly practice. The merge between the preservation of culture and practices with well-being was underscored in the study.

کلیدواژه ها:

Social Support ، Traditional Forms of Recreation ، Occupational Stress