“He who is a parakeet, wherever he wants is green” Teacher stress management in challenging contexts in El Salvador

Abstract

Teaching as a profession entails many stressors, especially when practiced in a challenging context such as a high-risk neighborhood in El Salvador. During an ethnographic study in a school a high-risk neighborhood in El Salvador, teachers described the strategies they used to deal with theseat circumstances. Their comments were analyzed through open coding and the development of categories. They were then examined in the light of the transactional framework by Lazarus and Folkman. Among other strategies, meaning-focused coping appears to be relevant, as does faith in God. A minimum aim appears to be to achieve a clean conscience after having tried everything thatwhat seems possible. However, if a teacher comes to the conclusion that
he or she has tried everything possible too early, Tthis can thwart the development of new strategies and more supportive relationships. Teacher training and school development ideas that focus on selfefficacy and social support seem promising.