THE EFFECT OF WORK OVERLOAD, STUDENT MISBEHAVIOURS AND SELF-EFFICACY ON TEACHERS’ BURNOUT: EVIDENCE FROM THE MALAYSIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of several key determinants of burnout among secondary school teachers in Malaysia. Specifically, the effect of work overload, student misbehaviour, and self-efficacy on burnout has been examined in this study context. Employing a simple random sampling technique, questionnaires were distributed to 500 teachers in one state located in the Northern Region of Malaysia. Regression analyses based on 345 participants showed that work overload has a positive and significant effect on burnout among secondary school teachers in Malaysia (β = 0.380, t = 15.82, p = 000). Next, findings revealed a negative and significant effect of self-efficacy on burnout (β = -0.089, t = 4.77, p = 000). Interestingly, student misbehaviour demonstrated an insignificant effect on burnout (β = 0.014, t = -0.55, p = 0.57). This research serves to increase awareness among teachers regarding the crucial importance of preserving mental health. By comprehending the determinant factors affecting teachers’ burnout, both researchers and teachers gain insights to proactively address this issue within the secondary school context. The implications of this study extend beyond academia, offering practical strategies to prevent burnout among secondary school teachers in Malaysia.