ISSN: 2222-6990
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This study explores the relationship between psychological self-care practices and occupational stress among vocational college teachers in Kuching, Malaysia. Teachers in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). A quantitative correlational research design was employed. Data were collected from 112 teachers across two vocational colleges in Kuching using a validated self-report instrument that included the Vocational Teacher Self Care Assessment Tool (VT SCAT) and a standard occupational stress scale. Participants were selected through convenience sampling, which limits generalizability but allows initial insight into a specific population. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine the association between psychological self-care and stress indicators. Results indicate that while self-care levels were moderate in both workplace and personal domains, stress levels were generally low among participants. Notably, the study found no statistically significant correlation between self-care practices and stress levels. However, a strong positive correlation was observed between self-care at work and in personal life. These findings contribute to the broader discussion on teacher wellbeing by highlighting the complexity of stress management in vocational education. The study underscores the need for systemic interventions, including supportive institutional policies, targeted wellness programs, and stress management training. These measures may better equip educators to navigate professional challenges while maintaining their mental health and teaching effectiveness.
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