‘You notice that there is something positive about going to school’: how teachers’ kindness can promote positive teacher–student relationships in upper secondary school

Figures & data

Table 1. Themes.

It takes two: mutual responsibility in TSRs	Don’t be unfair: negative experiences challenge TSRs	Talk to us: bonding and problem-solving through conversation	Help us: adapting to students’ academic and personal needs	We need kind teachers: the importance of teachers’ demeanour
TSR development is based on mutuality	Conflict can create lasting negative patterns	Meetings can contribute to TSR development	Teachers who address students’ personal needs are helpful	Kind and smiling teachers are appreciated
Respect is a key ingredient	Unfair approaches affect the entire class	Casual conversations promote personal relationships	Building relationships through teaching	Care and trustworthiness promote positive TSRs