Teachers' personality traits, caping styles and control appraisal

In this study, teachers' personality traits, coping styles and personal control appraisal were investigated. Additionally, predictions of coping efforts were searched through personality traits and control appraisal. The study group consists of 391 teachers in different teaching fields and schools. Of the participants, 168 (% 43) are female and 223 (% 57) are male teachers. Big Five Personality Inventory, Coping Scale, Control Appraisal Scale and Demographics Questionnaire were used as measurement tools in the study. Data analysis techniques employed in this study were Regression Analysis, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and t-test. The results showed that extravertedness is positively correlated with active planning, disengagement (emotional-behavior), acceptance-cognitive restructuring coping styles; agreeableness is positively associated with external help-seeking, active planning, acceptance cognitive restructuring coping types; responsibility is also positively associated with turning to religion, active planning, acceptance cognitive restructuring coping types and negatively with disengagement-biochemical coping type. Neuroticism personality trait is positively correlated with external help seeking, disengagement (emotional-behavior) coping type; openness to experience personality trait is positively correlated with active planning and acceptance-cognitive restructuring coping strategies. Analysis of gender differences showed that female teachers outscored the male counterpart on turning to religion, disengagement (emotional-behavior) and acceptance- cognitive restructuring. Female teachers also scored more than males on the personality traits of extravertedness, neuroticism and agreeableness. All the findings of the study are discussed regarding to previous and future studies on the issue. VIII