Adapted Physical Education Teachers’ Sources of Stress and Coping Strategies

Authors

  • Minhyun Kim Sam Houston State University
  • José A Santiago Sam Houston State University
  • Chan Woong Park California State University, Sacramento
  • Mike Stocz University of New Hampshire

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TPE-2025-V82-I3-12312

Abstract

Grounded in role stress theory, this study aimed to examine the sources of stress and coping strategies among adapted physical education (APE) teachers. A total of 15 (10 female, five male) APE teachers with six to 31 years of teaching experience participated in this study. Data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews and collecting personal narratives. As a result of data analysis, the following five themes emerged: (a) highly demanding workloads, (b) meeting the needs of students with disabilities, (c) the shortage of paraprofessionals, (d) a lack of understanding and recognition of APE, and (e) supportive colleagues. Implications for minimizing APE teachers’ stressors and future research directions are also discussed. 

Author Biographies

Minhyun Kim, Sam Houston State University

The Department of Kinesiology, Associate Professor

José A Santiago, Sam Houston State University

The Department of Kinesiology, Professor

Published

2025-04-29

Issue

Section

Articles