Health Education Research Advance Access originally published online on July 31, 2006
Health Education Research 2007 22(2):248-260; doi:10.1093/her/cyl073
Occupational well-being of school staff members: a structural equation model
1 Department of Nursing Science, University of Kuopio, PO Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
2 Information Technology Centre, University of Kuopio, Neulaniementie 1, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
3 Cancer Society of Finland, Liisankatu 21 B, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
* Correspondence to: T. Saaranen. E-mail: terhi.saaranen{at}uku.fi
This study aimed to develop a theoretical basis for the promotion of school staff's occupational well-being. The Content Model for the Promotion of School Community Staff's Occupational Well-being describes the four aspects of the promotion of occupational well-being (working conditions, worker and work, working community and professional competence) as well as the functionality and structure of the model. The content model was examined empirically by means of a structural equation model. The project was developed with school staff and occupational health nurses and implemented in 20012004. The target group consisted of the staff of 12 comprehensive schools in Eastern Finland in 2002 (n = 211) and 2004 (n = 266). The data were collected using a well-being at your work index questionnaire at both times. A structural equation model for the school staff's occupational well-being, i.e. the Occupational Well-being of School Staff Model (baseline OWSS Model: Study I in the year 2002), was produced. The model was tested with the 2004 data. Based on this, the model was further developed into the final OWSS Model (Study II). The theoretical Content Model for the Promotion of School Community Staff's Occupational Well-being can be used as a framework for planning, implementing and evaluating school staff's occupational well-being.
Received on October 21, 2005; accepted on June 19, 2006