Self-efficacy as a health-protective resource in teachers? A biopsychological approach.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the psychobiological correlates of self-efficacy in teachers.


METHODS
Study 1 examined associations between teacher self-efficacy and cardiac activation on a working day and Study 2 assessed the cortisol morning response in teachers with varying levels of teacher self-efficacy.


METHODS
Teacher self-efficacy was assessed by questionnaire. In Study 1 heart rate, heart rate variability, and locomotor activity were recorded by 22 hours ambulatory monitoring and subjective measures of stress and strain were obtained. Study 2 assessed the cortisol response to awakening to obtain a measure of HPA-axis activation and teachers filled in a questionnaire on physical complaints.


CONCLUSIONS
Study 1 found that self-efficacy proved protective for psychological well-being. Moreover, after controlling for locomotor activity, demographic, and lifestyle variables, self-efficacy was associated with elevated heart rate and attenuated heart rate variability during school and leisure time, respectively, but not during the night, thus questioning the health-implications of self-efficacy. Study 2 found that teachers high in self-efficacy exhibited an attenuated cortisol response to awakening and fewer cardiac complaints. The results of both studies are compatible with the view that teacher self-efficacy might act as a physiological toughening agent with possibly favorable health outcomes.
Schwerdtfeger
Andreas
A
Department of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany. aschwerd@uni-mainz.de
Konermann
Leslie
L
Schönhofen
Katja
K
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D002055:Burnout, Professional; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory / Q000379:methods; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D006854:Hydrocortisone