Linking emotional intelligence to educators feeling overwhelmed and burned out

As seen recently in the ABC Four Corners investigation into the early childhood education and care sector, early childhood educators’ work and workload can lead to feelings of overwhelm and burnout.

This stress is exacerbated by attrition cycles and the shortage of early childhood (EC) educators across the sector; it is estimated an extra 21,000 more educators are needed. It is essential that the wellbeing of those educators remaining in the sector is supported. Therefore, my study focuses on educators’ work and wellbeing to understand what drives educator burnout and what supports might prevent it.

What is emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a theory of intelligence and can be described as an individual’s ability to monitor their own and others’ feelings and emotions, differentiate between emotions, and use this information to guide their own thinking and actions.

There are two models of EI within the research. 

1. The ability model which proposes emotions can be intellectually analysed and based on cognitive (thinking) ability.
2. The mixed ability model views EI as a personality trait that influences a person’s general wellbeing.

A four-branch model interprets EI as a cognitive ability and presents four levels through which an individual can become emotionally intelligent. An individual with high EI is adept at solving emotional problems, perceiving emotions, understanding the meaning of emotions and managing emotions better than others.

Figure 1: Four branch model of emotional intelligence (adapted from Salovey and Mayer [1990])

Links to workplace flourishing and wellbeing

In the workplace, effective emotional regulation is associated with better cognitive and social functioning and improved wellbeing, all outcomes benefiting both employee and employer. EI plays a vital role in promoting wellbeing by empowering individuals to effectively manage their emotions, navigate social relationships and cope with stress, all of which positively influence their overall health and happiness. Individuals with higher levels of EI are more likely to experience better psychological wellbeing due to the positive relationship between EI and self-esteem and EI and life satisfaction.

Research highlights EI’s vital role in promoting workplace flourishing, with studies demonstrating its positive impact on wellbeing, job satisfaction and workplace performance. One study surveyed 319 working adults to ascertain a connection between EI and workplace flourishing. It was concluded that higher EI was related to better mental health, and an increase in job satisfaction. While EI contributes to workplace flourishing, it also has a role in reducing burnout and feelings of being overwhelmed which is equally as critical. 

Another study conducted into the relationship between burnout and EI in healthcare professionals found that EI acted as a protector against burnout and even assisted with reducing it. Through an individual’s ability to use EI skills, such as emotional regulation, they can effectively deal with workplace challenges, cope with higher demands and maintain their own wellbeing. In turn, this can reduce the likelihood of burnout. However, those individuals with lower EI may struggle to manage and regulate negative emotions and stress leading to burnout over time.

Unlike other professions, educators are in a caregiving role that requires continuous emotional engagement and being in tune with others, putting them at high risk for burnout. The emotional labour of educators, over time, can lead to anxiety and exhaustion, especially if they are in an unsupported, high-pressure environment. This is particularly true for educators with lower levels of EI as they are not fully able to regulate their own emotions or seek out adequate support.

It is found that when educators have higher EI they are more likely to experience job satisfaction, better motivate children within their learning environments, and structure learning based on child-centred approaches. Despite the importance of EI, there is limited research into educators’ understanding of EI and the impact EI skills have on their job satisfaction, burnout and being overwhelmed.

One study was conducted which examined 15 preschool teachers’ views on EI and how this was used to support children in the development of their emotional skills. The study concluded that preschool teachers’ awareness and skills of EI are limited, with most of the teachers’ definitions of EI was only thought to be about understanding emotions.

This supports the idea of the limited understanding or shared language educators have of EI skills. This can impact their professional and personal lives.

Educators’ emotional load

Educators have the enormous responsibility of using their emotional, mental and physical resources to care for young children. Additionally, educators are responsible for the health, wellbeing and educational outcomes of young children and need to support their families.

Further, the expectations of parents often make it easy for educators to neglect their own emotional and mental health. Adding to this is the impact of chronic staff shortages. The wellbeing of educators is essential for quality education, yet the research suggests a lack of practical applications available for organisations to support educators’ emotional wellbeing.

Our study

Our current study will use an online survey of 40 educators to explore their understanding of EI and how it links to their feelings of overwhelm and burnout. We will also gather their preferences for professional development. Ultimately, we aim to use this information to create an EI intervention program to benefit educators and assist them in reducing the emotional burden that the sector can impose. Educators deserve to have the support they need to flourish in the workplace. Our children and families deserve educators who are supported and flourishing in the workplace. 

Republished in the University of New England’s School of Education Research Newsletter. You can download the original article here.