A Survey of Emotional Well-being Among Irish Third Level Educators

This study aimed to gain baseline scores of perceived levels of work-related stress, self- efficacy, emotional intelligence and well-being for Irish third level educators. A questionnaire was designed to achieve this, including an open-ended question asking participants to note their attitudes and beliefs towards training in the area of social and emotional skills. The questionnaire received 494 responses, 185 (37%) university, 238 (48%) institute of technology, 59 (12%) college of education and 18 (3%) other. Statistical analysis using a one-way ANOVA found a significant difference, with higher levels of work-related stress being reported by university lecturers in comparison to institute of technology lecturers. Content analysis of the open-ended question indicated that participants made most frequent references to organisational culture, the breadth of work in the role of a lecturer, aspects of social support and opinions regarding coaching. The findings indicate that the changing nature of higher education appears to have an adverse impact on stress levels for staff in this sector