A Critical Analysis of Government and Private School Teachers' Mental Health in West Bengal

Abstract

This study examines the mental health of school teachers in West Bengal, India, focusing on gender, teaching experience, and institutional type as key variables. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey method, data from 564 school teachers across two districts i.e., Murshidabad and Kolkata were analyzed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) developed by Dr. David Goldberg and Dr. Peter Williams in 1988. The findings indicate no significant gender-based differences in mental health, challenging prevalent societal stereotypes. However, a significant disparity in mental health status was observed between teachers in government and private institutions, with the former reporting better mental health. The study underscores the non-significance of teaching experience as a determinant of mental health among teachers. These results highlight the need for inclusive and comprehensive mental health support programs in the educational sector, emphasizing policy interventions and institutional reforms to address the unique challenges faced by educators. The study contributes significantly to understanding the mental health landscape among teachers in West Bengal, offering insights for future research and policy-making in the field of educational mental health.