The Level of Depression of Public Secondary School Teachers in Valenzuela City

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Teachers have been a central force in the facilitation of learning, playing a vital role in education and care of students, who are to become the leaders in the future. While teaching has been found to be one of the most important jobs of a country, it is also one of the most stressful jobs compared to other occupations (Adams2001). It is therefore important to attend to teachers' welfare. A local survey by Perlas, Tronco et. al (2015) noted that 5.3 percent of those surveyed were suffering from depression. The aim of this research is to examine the level of depression of the public secondary school teachers in District II of Valenzuela City in terms of the following variables: sex, age, marital status, years in service, and employment status.

METHODS

This study was conducted from September to October 2018. The descriptive research design specifically surveys method was used in this study. A total of two hundred and thirty-seven public secondary school teachers in District II of Valenzuela City were randomly selected as the respondents of the study.

RESULTS

Results showed that majority of the respondents are female; most of the ages from 21 to 30. Majority of teacher-respondents are married. A considerable number of teachers are experiencing normal mood changes. Though it was found out that there are 20 teachers who are suffering from depression at various levels ranging from moderate to severe level of depression. Somatic factors tend to be the greatest contributing factor towards the depression level of public secondary school teachers. There are no significant differences in depression levels of the teacher -respondents when they are grouped according to any of the following: sex, age, marital status, length of teaching experience, and employment status.

DISCUSSIONS

The teachers are suggested to find means to make them aware of their depression level. The school administrators are recommended to initiate conduct of lectures or seminars that focus on topics such as stress and anger management, maintaining optimistic mindset, positive human relations and others that may help the teachers develop a better and brighter outlook in life. Parallel studies may include other variables which were not covered in this research. Future researchers may also explore possible interrelationships of the chosen variables. They may also conduct their study with a different group of teachers, say, public elementary school teachers, to see whether similar results will be obtained.