Everyday stress in the university: coping strategies of health teachers

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the stress coping strategies developed by teachers in the Center of Health Sciences of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. Method: This is an exploratory, descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Data collection occurred from May 2013 to April/2012 with 37 teachers from semistructured interviews, and the data were analyzed through content analysis, using the method of thematic analysis. Results: From the speech of teachers were structured the categories: "Leisure Activities"; "Admittedly scant leisure activities"; "Coping with stressful situations in the university environment"; "Perception and the need for change". Conclusion: It could be observed from this study that teachers identify stressful situations related to work and leisure activities to reduce tensions, which, however, they do not practice. It is suggested greater institutional support and individual commitment in developing strategies that promote the welfare of teachers.