Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the mediating role
of career calling in the relationship between job stress and burnout as well as
the association among job stress, career calling, and burnout.
Methods: A sample of three-hundred and seven child care teachers in the
metropolitan area of Seoul completed questionnaires on job stress, career calling,
and burnout.
Results: Correlation and regression analyses indicated that lack of directors’
leadership and administrative support, work overload, and career calling
significantly predicted child care teachers’ burnout. Moreover, the association of
lack of directors’ leadership and administrative support of burnout was mediated
by career calling.
Conclusion/Implications: The findings suggest that directors’ leadership and
seamless administrative support need to be emphasized in order to reduce
burnout and mitigate work-related stress among child care teachers. The findings
also highlight the important role of career calling in reducing burnout among
child care teachers and suggest the consideration of career calling as a target in
interventions and educational programs.