Psychological Wellbeing of University Teachers in Pakistan

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the psychological wellbeing of public and private university teachers in Pakistan. Psychological wellbeing is generally conceptualized as an interaction of positive effects such as happiness and optimal functioning of people in social and individual areas of life. Using multistage sampling technique, 437 university teachers in four public and private universities each were sampled for this study. Psychological Wellbeing Scale previously validated by Akin (2012) and others comprising 30 statements with 7 point Likert scale was adapted by the researchers. The study found that overall, male and female university teachers perceived similar level of psychological wellbeing. Female teachers; however, perceived higher score in different factors such as developing positive relations and self-acceptance. Unmarried teachers perceived more purposeful life and personal growth than married teachers, while married teachers perceived more autonomy than unmarried teachers. Further, the teachers did not significantly differ on psychological wellbeing based on their university location (public and private) and their teaching experience. The study found that teachers with higher ranks and designation significantly differed in their wellbeing than their colleagues with lower ranks.