Examination of the Relationship Between Stress Coping and Problem Solving Skills of Physical Education Teachers

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between coping with stress and problem-solving abilities among physical education teachers. The research sample comprised 64 female and 89 male physical education teachers, totaling 153 individuals, employed in schools under the Ministry of National Education in Mardin. Data collection instruments included a personal information form developed by the researcher, the Coping with Stress Scale developed by Türküm (2002), and the Problem Solving Inventory developed by Heppner and Peterson (1982) and adapted into Turkish by Şahin, Şahin, and Heppner (1993). Statistical analyses involved testing for variance and homogeneity, employing independent t-tests for pairwise comparisons, One-Way ANOVA for multiple comparisons, and conducting Correlate analysis to determine relationships. Results revealed no significant differences in mean scores for coping with stress or problem-solving skills among physical education teachers based on gender, school type, or years of service in the profession. However, a positive low-level relationship was identified between the coping with stress scores and problem-solving scores of the physical education teachers. In summary, the study revealed notably high mean scores for both coping with stress and problem-solving skills among physical education teachers, suggesting their adeptness at managing stressors and addressing challenges effectively. Additionally, it is postulated that physical education teachers who exhibit effective stress coping mechanisms are also proficient in resolving encountered problems.