A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DEFENSE MECHANISMS AMONG PRIVATE AND GOVERNMENT SCHOOL TEACHERS: EXPLORING LEVELS AND VARIATIONS

Abstract

Defensive behaviour among urban educators can impact professional interactions, job satisfaction and resultantly student outcomes significantly. Thus, it is crucial to understand the factors which lead to defensive behaviour. This in turn contributes to fostering a positive work climate. Thereby, teacher wellbeing is promoted in an educational set up. This research paper aims to understand how teachers develop defense mechanisms as an adoptive strategy for their psychological protection. The study employs a qualitative research method to conduct a comparative analysis between private and government school teachers. The research employs a combination of quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The quantitative aspect comprises of a standardized questionnaire to assess the prevalence of defense mechanisms and coping strategies. Qualitative interviews reveal a rich tapestry of coping techniques. The study concludes that although urban educators demonstrate remarkable adaptability, there is a critical need for creating supportive environments to enhance their coping potential.