The Effects of Job Stress on the Happiness of Early Childhood Teacher: The Mediating Effect of Job Satisfaction and The Moderating Effect of Self Leadership

Objectives The purpose of this study is to explore the mediating effect of job satisfaction and the moderating effect of self-leadership in the relationship between job stress and happiness of early childhood teachers. Through this, we aim to provide basic data for improving the work environment of early childhood teachers and establishing policies. Methods Data collection was conducted through a survey targeting 496 early childhood teachers at early childhood education institutions in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS for frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, reliability verification, correlation analysis, mediating effect, and moderating effect analysis. Results Job stress had a negative effect on happiness through job satisfaction, and job satisfaction completely mediated the relationship between job stress and happiness as a mediating variable. Self-leadership was found to play a moderating role in alleviating the negative effect of job stress on happiness. Conclusions Strategies to increase job satisfaction and strengthen self-leadership of early childhood teachers play an important role in reducing the negative effects of job stress and promoting overall happiness. Therefore, it is necessary to develop systematic programs and establish policies to increase the job satisfaction and self-leadership of early childhood teachers and improve the quality of childcare and education.