Abstract
The aim of this study was
to determine the relationship of vocational burnout levels with circadian
preference and sleep variables of science teachers. Three hundred science
teachers working in Kocaeli province participated in the study. Data were
collected using “Demographic Form”, “Maslach Burnout Scale ”and “Composite
Scale of Morningness” and were analyzed with SPSS 21.0 package program. A survey
design was used in the study. In the analysis, it was investigated whether science
teachers' vocational burnout levels could
be predicted by the variables circadian preference, MSFsc, social jetlag, age,
gender, seniority, educational status, doing their job willingly, satisfaction
with the work environment and motivation to go to school. In addition, associations
among vocational burnout levels, circadian preferences and sleep variables were
examined. According to the results of the analysis, vocational burnout levels
of science teachers were found to be high. Significant positive correlations were
found between vocational burnout scores of science teachers with CSM and MSFsc.
A negative correlation was found between teachers' vocational burnout levels
and their motivation to go to school. Besides, motivation to go to school and
MSFsc predicted vocational burnout levels of science teachers. As a result, one
of the variables predicting vocational burnout of science teachers was found to
be circadian preference. In cases where the sleep pattern of the individuals
due to circadian rhythm is not compatible with the working hours of their
profession, the individual cannot sleep adequately which may result in stress and
increase their vocational burn out levels.