Psychological Violence Perceptions of Pre-School Teachers: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The aim of this research is to determine the perception of psychological violence among teachers working in pre-school educational institutions. The study, designed using the qualitative research method of phenomenology, employed a sample of pre-school teachers residing in Ankara. The data collection tool used was the "Teacher Interview Form." Descriptive analysis and content analysis were used to evaluate the data. As a result, the majority of teachers defined psychological violence as verbal attacks, negative attitudes, and behaviors in daily life that affect self-esteem. They also considered emotional abuse behaviors as a form of psychological violence. Teachers believed that the primary source of psychological violence is the mental health of the person exhibiting violent behavior. Overall, teachers expressed that they generally did not experience psychological violence. They mentioned providing support to colleagues who had experienced psychological violence by guiding them about their rights. Some teachers preferred to maintain a distant relationship with colleagues to avoid psychological violence. They also emphasized the importance of school principals taking preventative measures against psychological violence.