Thomas, Emma Louise (2020) The Identification of Salivary Biomarkers of Perfectionistic Stress in Teachers. Masters thesis, York St John University.

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Abstract

This study examined the relationship between dimensions of perfectionism and stress levels in teachers and teacher trainees. Perceived (self-report) stress was measured as were biomarkers of stress in the form of salivary concentrations of cortisol, α-amylase, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Immunoglobulin-A (IgA). Sixty-five participants consisting of teacher trainees and fully qualified teachers completed questionnaires to assess trait perfectionism, perfectionistic self-presentation (PSP), perfectionistic cognitions, stress appraisal and perceived stress. Key findings were (a) Socially Prescribed Perfectionism (SPP)(p<.01), perfectionistic self-presentation(p<.01), and perfectionistic cognitions (p<.05) were positively related to perceived stress, and self-oriented perfectionism was negatively related to salivary amylase concentration (p<.05), (b) non-disclosure of imperfection (p<.01)and perfectionistic cognitions (p<.05) were unique positive predictors of perceived stress, and (c) tentative evidence that self-oriented perfectionism (SOP) and perfectionistic self-promotion (PSP) may also be unique negative predictors of salivary amylase concentration as those displaying SOP (p<.05) and PSP (p<.05)had lower salivary amylase concentrations than the test group average. From these findings it can be inferred that perfectionistic teachers experience more stress and that the non-disclosure of imperfection is a contributory factor.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Status:	Published
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General)
School/Department:	School of Science, Technology and Health
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/5591

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