The Comparison of Mental Health Status in Physical Education Teachers and Non-Physical Education Teachers Based on Demographic Characteristics

The purpose of the present study was to investigate mental health status in physical education teachers (PET) and non-physical education teachers (NPET) based on demographic characteristics. 403 teachers consisting of 105 PETs and 298 NPETs from West Azerbaijan province were selected by multiphase cluster sampling method and completed mental health inventory (MHI). The results of the study revealed that PETs scored higher in psychological well-being than NPETs. Male teachers (PETs and NPETs) had higher scores in psychological well-being and lower scores in psychological distress than female teachers. Having a second job was negatively associated with psychological well-being in both PETs and NPETs. Married teachers showed lower psychological well-being than single teachers. Employed teachers had higher scores in psychological well-being than non-employed teachers. Male teachers who had an employed spouse showed lower psychological well-being than male teachers who had a non-employed spouse. No significant association was found between number of jobs, marital status, and employment status with psychological distress.