Hur gymnasieskolans idrottslärare inkluderar stresshantering i undervisningen för att förebygga elevers stressrelaterade ohälsa

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study was to investigate how high school teachers in physical education (PE) apply stress management during the school sports classes to prevent stress- related illness among high school students. The purpose was also trying to clarify which factors influence if and how PE teachers include stress management in teaching, and if they experience any obstacles or difficulties in preventing the subject from being included in a operative way. In the chosen method, qualitative semi- structured interviews were conducted by purposeful sampling of six PE teachers employed at six different high schools. A content analysis was used to identify codes and categories in the transcribed data. The main findings showed that PE teachers included activities that can be related to stress management, but in a small and varied proportion. The most common practical tools incorporated in their classes were yoga and relaxation techniques, as well as theoretical lessons related to the topic. Obstacles included insufficient knowledge, lack of description in the syllabus as well as time constraints. The PE teachers perceived students’ need to handle stress, but sometimes it was difficult to determine when the need really existed. All PE teachers had a positive attitude towards including stress management in sports classes and perceived mainly advantages. However, reduction in time for physical activity was seen as a disadvantage. The clearest conclusion drawn from this study was that the PE teachers felt that there were shortcomings in both the curriculum description and the PE teacher education that could constitute an obstacle to including stress management in the lessons in a well- functioning way. More research as well as development and implementation of evidence- based stress management programs in syllabus at schools and the education program for teachers are needed.     Keywords: Health promotion, public health, stress management, physical education teachers, high school