The association between teacher-student relationships (TSR) and Puerto Rican teachers’ well-being

Abstract

Very little research has investigated the effect of Teacher-Student Relationships (TSR) on teachers’ well-being. Based on the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model, this study aimed to examine the relationship between TSR and teachers’ mental health through work-related well-being. We analyzed the mediation role of work engagement and emotional exhaustion in the relationship between TSR and anxiety and depression symptoms. The sample included 179 educators across middle and high schools in Puerto Rico (PR). The results of regression-based mediation analyses indicated that TSRs have a significant indirect relationship with anxiety and depression symptoms through work engagement and emotional exhaustion. Our findings have theoretical and practical implications. TSR becomes evidently relevant within the JDR Model as a social resource and revindicates the need to develop positive TSR to improve educators’ emotional and work-related well-being.