Cognitive appraisal of interpersonal stress and social skills in childcare workers

Abstract

Cognitive appraisal of interpersonal stress in childcare workers was investigated from the perspective of interpersonal stress situations and social skills. Participants were kindergarten teachers (n = 57) and nursery teachers (n = 9l). They responded to the Stress Cognitive Appraisal Scale and Kikuchi's Scale of Social Skills. Results indicated that dealings with parents and children were considered important sources of interpersonal stress, whereas dealings with superiors at the workplace were considered more difficult to control. The results of correlation analysis between social skills and cognitive appraisal of controlling interpersonal stress situations indicated that the two were positively correlated. These results indicate that childcare workers are positively involved in dealing with children and parents. Moreover, they have difficulties in controlling interpersonal stress with their superiors and colleagues. Positive correlations were found between the sense of controlling interpersonal stress situations and social skills. Therefore, it is suggested that improving social skills might enhance cognitive appraisal of controlling interpersonal stress. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)