Are Australian teachers burnt-out or depressed?

This study will form the basis of a Master of Education dissertation being undertaken by James Sowden and supervised by Dr Grace Skrzypiec, in the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, South Australia.

Investigator      

Mr. James Sowden
College of Education, Psychology and Social Work
Flinders University

Supervisor         

Dr. Grace Skrzypiec PhD
 College of Education, Psychology and Social Work
Flinders University
Tel: +00 61 8 82015878


Description of the study

As more teachers report experiences of burnout, this study seeks to investigate the characteristics of burnout or work-related depression in teachers and teaching staff. The aim is to determine the burnout depression nexus in order to inform treatment and prevention efforts.

Purpose of the study

The purpose of the study is to clarify and inform an ongoing debate on the nature of burnout as this is impeding treatment and prevention initiatives.

Benefits of the study

Participants may not directly benefit from this research. However, the findings will provide vital information for administrators, clinicians, and policymakers making decisions about teacher burnout treatment and prevention.

Participant involvement and potential risks

If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to complete an 8-10 minutes anonymous online questionnaire and answer questions about your work-life experiences as a teacher.  Participants, schools, and workplaces will not be identified in this study.

The researcher does not expect the questions to cause any harm or discomfort. However, if you experience any concerns, please contact any of the support services listed at the end of the questionnaire.

Withdrawal Rights

You may, without any penalty, decline to take part in this research study. If you decide to take part and later change your mind, you may withdraw at any time and not submit your questionnaire responses without providing an explanation. Any data collected up to the point of your withdrawal will be securely destroyed.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Only researchers listed on this form have access to the information you provide. Anonymity is assured at all times. Even though demographic is collected, it is not of the sort that can be used to identify individuals. The research outcomes may be presented at conferences, written up for publication or used for other research purposes as described in this information form.

Data Storage

The information collected may be stored securely on a password protected computer and/or Flinders University server throughout the study. All data will be securely transferred to and stored at Flinders University for at least five years after publication of the results. Following the required data storage period, all data will be securely destroyed according to university protocols.

How will I receive feedback?

Upon completion of the project, a brief report of the findings will be made available through teacher unions and educational jurisdictions.

Ethics Committee Approval

The project has been approved by Flinders University’s Human Research Ethics Committee (Project number HEL2563-2)

Queries and Concerns

Queries or concerns regarding the research can be directed to the research team. If you have any complaints or reservations about the ethical conduct of this study, you may contact the Flinders University’s Research Ethics and Compliance Office team via telephone 08 8201 3116 or email human.researchethics@flinders.edu.au.

Thank you for taking the time to read this information.

If you accept our invitation to be involved, please read and sign the Consent Form below.

Following conset you will be directed to the questionnaire.   

Informed consent to participate in the study
I DECLARE

  • that I have read the above information and I understand the information contained;
  • that I have understood that participation in the study is entirely voluntary and free;
  • that I can withdraw from the study at any time, without having to give explanations and without any disadvantage or prejudice;
  • that I have understood the nature and activities of the participation in the study and the risks involved;
  • that I have understood that participation in this study will not result in recognition of any direct or indirect economic benefit.

If you accept our invitation to be involved, please select the ‘I agree to participate’ button to proceed to the questionnaire.

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