Job Frustration and Coping Strategies among Lecturers

Abstract

This study examined sources of job frustration and coping strategies among university lecturers in Delta State, Nigeria, exploring gender and experience-level differences in job frustration and coping strategies. Using an ex-post facto research design with survey methodology, data were collected from 130 lecturers across two universities through stratified and purposive sampling. The Sources of Job Frustration and Coping Strategies Among Lecturers Questionnaire (SJFACSQ) was employed, demonstrating face and content validity with a reliability coefficient of 0.74 (Pearson r). Results revealed multiple frustration sources including high living costs, excessive workload, inadequate teaching facilities, unmet promotion criteria, and numerous deadlines. Coping strategies included seeking alternative income sources, colleague support, religious practices, and humor. Significant gender differences emerged in coping strategies, with male lecturers demonstrating superior coping mechanisms compared to female counterparts. Experienced lecturers showed significantly different perspectives on frustration sources compared to less experienced colleagues. The study recommends salary increase commensurate with living costs, improved teaching infrastructure, annual vacation provisions, and continuous professional development programs.