A comparison of the relationships between psychosocial factors, occupational strain, and work ability among 4 ethnic teacher groups in China

ABSTRACT

The present study compared the level of occupational strain and work ability among Han, Hui, Uygur, Hui, and Kazakh teachers, and explored ethnic differences based on the associations of psychosocial factors at work, occupational strain, and work ability. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,941 teachers in primary and secondary schools in Xinjiang Province, China. Psychosocial factors, occupational strain, and work ability were measured using the Occupation Stress Inventory—Revised Edition (OSI-R) and Work Ability Index. Han and Hui teachers experienced reduced work ability compared with Uygur and Kazakh teachers, and this finding was caused, in part, by exposure to psychosocial factors at work. The vocational and psychological strains caused by these factors play an important role in reduced work ability among all ethnic teacher groups. The findings indicate the importance of taking action to reduce occupational strain for promoting teachers' work ability in multiethnic workplaces.

KEYWORDS:

• Ethnicity
• occupational strain
• teacher
• work ability
• work-related psychosocial factors

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all participating teachers who gave their time and supports.

Funding

This study was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under grant numbers 81260424 and 81260425.