Impact of Self-esteem and Perceived Social Support on Pre-retirement Anxiety among Teachers in Kerala

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of self-esteem and perceived social support on pre-retirement anxiety among teachers in Kerala. The sample comprised 100 government teachers (65 females and 35 males) expected to retire within the next five years. Measures used in the study included a self-esteem inventory, a multi-dimensional scale of perceived social support, a pre-retirement anxiety scale, and a personal data sheet. A descriptive research design was employed, utilizing statistical techniques such as the Kruskal-Wallis test, and non-parametric factorial ANOVA. Key findings indicated that pre-retirement anxiety varies significantly with different levels of self-esteem, with higher self-esteem linked to lower anxiety. However, there is no significant effect on pre-retirement anxiety across different levels of perceived social support. Additionally, while the interaction between self-esteem and perceived social support does not significantly impact pre-retirement anxiety, there is an indication that individuals with high self-esteem and moderate social support tend to experience the lowest anxiety. The study’s implications suggest the need for interventions aimed at boosting self-esteem and fostering supportive social networks to help teachers manage pre-retirement anxiety.