Abstract: The dual responsibility of managing professional and domestic roles often places married women teachers under considerable stress, which can significantly affect their mental health. This study investigates the key stress factors contributing to psychological distress among married women educators in India and examines their impact on mental well-being. The teaching profession, while considered noble and fulfilling, is increasingly becoming a source of stress due to work overload, administrative pressure, lack of institutional support, and ever-growing expectations. When combined with domestic responsibilities such as childcare, household chores, and societal obligations, the cumulative burden becomes immense for married women teachers.
The study employed a descriptive survey design, utilizing standardized stress and mental health assessment tools among a purposive sample of 200 married women teachers from primary, secondary, and higher education institutions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis to determine the relationship between identified stressors and mental health indicators such as anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion.
Findings reveal that occupational stressors (e.g., time constraints, student behavior, administrative tasks), familial obligations, and societal expectations were significant contributors to mental distress. A strong positive correlation was found between stress levels and symptoms of poor mental health, suggesting the urgent need for institutional and community-level interventions. The study emphasizes the importance of mental health support systems, flexible work policies, and counseling services in educational settings.
The research offers valuable insights into the often-overlooked psychosocial challenges of married women educators, urging stakeholders to adopt a holistic approach in promoting their mental well-being. These findings are critical for educational policymakers, school administrators, and mental health professionals working toward gender-sensitive reforms.
Keywords: Married women teachers, stress factors, mental health, occupational stress, work-life balance, emotional well-being, psychological distress, India, gender roles, educational sector
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DOI:
10.17148/IJARCCE.2025.14604
