The Effects of Health Locus of Control and Health Behavior on Teacher Stress and Life Satisfaction in Head Start Educators

Abstract

Teacher well-being plays a crucial role in creating effective learning environments for young children. The present study examined the relationship between health locus of control (HLOC), health behaviors, teacher stress, and life satisfaction among Head Start (HS) teachers. Results suggest that teachers with a high Internal HLOC report lower overall stress levels and greater satisfaction compared to those with a low Internal HLOC. In addition, having a high Internal HLOC was also associated with greater overall life satisfaction. We also investigated how health behaviors (e.g., a commitment to healthy eating, exercise) affected stress and life satisfaction. We found that a “health conscious orientation” was related to lower stress levels and higher life satisfaction. Understanding the dynamics of locus of control, stress, life satisfaction, and teacher health behaviors provides valuable insights for developing comprehensive interventions that benefit the teachers and the children they serve.