Examining the future and occupational anxiety of preschool teacher candidates

Hülya Gülay Ogelman; İlkay Göktaş

doi:10.29329/pedper.2026.139

Examining the future and occupational anxiety of preschool teacher candidates

Hülya Gülay Ogelman Department of Primary Education, Faculty of Education, Sinop University, Sinop, Türkiye https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4245-0208
İlkay Göktaş Child Care and Youth Services Department, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Türkiye https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4701-455X

DOI

https://doi.org/10.29329/pedper.2026.139

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between future anxiety and occupational anxiety among preschool teacher candidates. A correlational survey design was employed. The sample comprised 225 teacher candidates enrolled in the Preschool Education Department of the Faculty of Education at a state university. Data were collected using a Demographic Information Form, the Future Anxiety Scale for University Students, and the Occupational Anxiety Scale for Prospective Teachers. All measures were completed individually via an online platform. Results indicated that fear of the future, hopelessness about the future, and overall future anxiety were positively and significantly associated with all eight dimensions of occupational anxiety (task-centred, economic-social-centred, student communication-centred, peer and parent-centred, personal development-centred, appointment-centred, adjustment-centred, and school management-centred anxiety). Higher levels of fear of the future and hopelessness about the future were accompanied by higher levels of occupational anxiety, whereas lower levels were accompanied by lower occupational anxiety. Overall, future anxiety showed the strongest association with economic-social-centred anxiety and the weakest association with student communication-centred anxiety. Regression analyses further showed that fear of the future, hopelessness about the future, and overall future anxiety significantly predicted each dimension of occupational anxiety. Overall, future anxiety most strongly predicted economic-social-centred anxiety and least strongly predicted student communication-centred anxiety. Taken together, these findings indicate that future anxiety is closely linked to how teacher candidates perceive and anticipate their professional lives.

Keywords

Future anxiety, occupational anxiety, teacher candidates, preschool teaching, preschool

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