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Uncovering Common Stressful Factors and Coping Strategies Among Childcare Providers

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the common stress factors among childcare providers and the coping strategies they use to relieve work stress feelings throughout the day. Qualitative data was gathered from a random sample of ten local childcare providers across different races, years of experience, and licensed childcare centers who participated in in-depth focus group interviews. The stressful work factors described by childcare providers included work conditions, work events, client factors and external factors. Childcare providers also describe several coping strategies such as walking, prayer and meditation or planning for stressful moments. Results from this study provide practical approaches for relieving work stress among childcare providers.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the faculty research grant program of Louisiana State University Office of Research and Economic Development. We thank all the participating childcare centers and providers for their participation in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

    Jennifer J. Baumgartner, Russell L. Carson, Loredana Apavaloaie & Costas Tsouloupas

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  1. Jennifer J. Baumgartner
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  2. Russell L. Carson
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  3. Loredana Apavaloaie
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  4. Costas Tsouloupas
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Correspondence to Jennifer J. Baumgartner.

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Baumgartner, J.J., Carson, R.L., Apavaloaie, L. et al. Uncovering Common Stressful Factors and Coping Strategies Among Childcare Providers. Child Youth Care Forum 38, 239–251 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-009-9079-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-009-9079-5

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