Abstract:

Teacher victimization represents a growing psychosocial risk that undermines educator well-being and school climate. This study examined the prevalence, psychological impact, and preventive context of teacher victimization in Lithuanian educational institutions.

The research received ethical approval from the Scientific Committee of the Lifelong Learning Laboratory at Mykolas Romeris University (Protocol No. 10-79 2.25 E-403). The research is funded by the Lithuanian Research Council (LMTLT), contract number: S-MIP-24-108, 2024-2026. Data were collected through an anonymous online survey completed by 1,044 teachers (90 % women; M age = 52.2 years) from diverse educational settings. The comprehensive questionnaire integrated validated measures covering multiple domains: teacher victimization (physical, verbal, social, cyber, sexual, property-related, and parental), psychological well-being and affect, burnout, coping, critical thinking, self-efficacy, job satisfaction, and perceived school safety and prevention practices.

Results indicated that social (M = 1.38) and verbal (M = 1.32) victimization were the most frequently reported, whereas physical (M = 1.08), cyber (M = 1.07), and sexual (M = 1.15) victimization were relatively rare. Higher exposure to verbal victimization correlated with lower flourishing (rs = –.23, p < .001), reduced positive affect (rs = –.25, p < .001), and greater negative emotions (rs = .32, p < .001). Similar patterns were observed for social victimization (rs ≈ ±.19–.30, p < .001). Preventive measures were found to be inconsistently applied across schools, with limited institutional procedures and emotional-support resources.

The findings reveal that non-physical aggression toward teachers is common and psychologically consequential. Strengthening prevention policies, fostering positive organizational climate, and ensuring systematic institutional support are essential to promote teacher safety and well-being in Lithuanian schools.

Keywords:

Teacher, education, victimization, well-being, Lithuania.