Using Fitbit Fitness Trackers to Measure Teacher Stress and Coping
Natalie Runge, Shelby Haarman & Molly H. Fisher
Abstract
In this mixed-methods study, we used Fitbit fitness trackers to monitor the heart rate, sleep, and step counts of four teachers from diverse backgrounds for twelve consecutive weeks. Weekly interviews took place where researchers inquired about the teachers’ most and least stressful days as evidenced by the data provided from the Fitbit. The most common stressor indicated was poor student behavior and the most common coping mechanisms used were self-care techniques such as taking baths, naps, and massages. Prior to the beginning of the interview period, each teacher completed the Classroom Appraisal of Resources and Demands (CARD) to measure their stress risk, the Preventative Resources Inventory (PRI) to measure their preventative coping skills, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) to measure their burnout. Data was triangulated through the initial surveys, coding from weekly interviews, and the Fitbit data to create a profile and results for each teacher.