IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Development of action scenarios to correct mental health problems in the school environment: application of an occupational psychodynamic approach

Abstract

The school environment is particularly affected by work-related mental health problems, including burnout and depression. The risk factors to which personnel are exposed are known: task intensification, class management and difficult group management, violence, non-recognition, isolation, and job precariousness. However, very little is known about how to modify work organization in order to prevent and correct hazardous situations. The researchers will use the approach of occupational psychodynamics to carry out a critical analysis of work organization, as well as personal and collective defence mechanisms that impede improvement, by using the experience of volunteer participants (teachers, educational professionals, support and management personnel) as a basis. The specific objective is to include occupational psychodynamics in a health and safety procedure, and then to produce a concrete action plan intended to correct or reduce the hazards at source. An animation guide will enable intermediaries to reproduce the process in other schools, while an intervention support group will help school personnel to use it.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0099-7430
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2013
Team:
  • Marie-France Maranda (Université Laval)
  • Louise St-Arnaud (Université Laval)
  • Lucie Héon (Université Laval)
  • Geneviève Fournier (Université Laval)
  • Lise Lachance (Université du Québec à Chicoutimi)
  • Anne Paillé (Université Laval)
  • Simon Viviers (Université Laval)