European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PSYCHOSOCIAL WELFARE COPING STRATEGIES AND PHYSICAL HEALTH STATUS OF RETIRING TEACHERS: IMPLICATIONS FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH POLICY IN NIGERIA

*Ugwa Ifeoma Voilet, **Ugwa Okezie Chinedu

ABSTRACT

Background: Retirement transition presents multidimensional challenges for teachers in Nigeria, particularly concerning welfare preparedness, psychosocial adjustment, and perceived post-retirement wellbeing. Understanding how coping strategies influence perceived expectations before retirement is crucial for sustainable retirement planning and educational workforce stability. This study examined the relationship between selected psychosocial welfare coping strategies-political participation, union involvement, and social engagement, and post-retirement contract work- and retiring teachers’ perceived expectations in public secondary schools in South-East Nigeria. Methods: The study adopted a correlational survey design involving 748 retiring teachers drawn from a population of 5,333 using multistage random sampling. Data were analyzed using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, Multiple Regression Analysis and Chi-Square Tests to determine the relationships and predictive strengths of the coping dimensions. Results: Findings revealed that engaging in political activities (r = 0.333, p < 0.05), participation in pensioners’ unions (r = 0.421, p < 0.05), and taking up contract appointments (r = 0.310, p < 0.05) significantly predicted perceived retirement expectations. Collectively, these welfare coping strategies accounted for 86.3% of the variance (R² = 0.863) in perceived expectations, indicating a strong joint influence. The most potent predictors was union participation (β = 0.421). Conclusion: Psychosocial coping mechanisms play a pivotal role in shaping retiring teachers’ optimism and readiness for retirement. Strengthening union welfare structures, promoting community and faith-based engagement, and expanding flexible post-retirement work opportunities are vital policy measures for enhancing retirement wellbeing.

Keywords: Perceived expectation, Psychosocial adjustment, Retirement preparedness, Retiring teachers, South-East Nigeria, Welfare coping strategies.