Psychodynamics of Work: a study on pleasure and suffering in teaching work at Universidade Óscar Ribas

Abstract

This paper is based on an investigation carried out between November 2013 and January 2017, at University of Minho (Portugal), on the professors of Óscar Ribas University (UOR) (Angola). The article was based on a theoretical reference: the Psychodynamics of Work, of Christophe Dejours, and had as objectives to analyze the biopsychosocial symptoms and the feelings of pleasure or suffering related to teaching. A quantitative methodology was used, which was based on the application of a questionnaire and two scales to 56 professors from UOR. There was a moderate level of pleasure in 54% of the professors and a moderate level of suffering in 41%, which reveals the use of defensive strategies in order to subvert the suffering generated by work. Identification with tasks, freedom to talk at work and the solidarity among colleagues are the main revealers of pleasure; on the other hand, stress, weariness, feelings of dissatisfaction, injustice, indignation and emotional exhaustion prove to be the main indicators of suffering. The main symptoms are: physical (sleep disorders, headaches and pains in the body); socials (difficulties in family relationships and lack of interest in people); and psychic (irritability and sadness). It was also found that professors of Angolan nationality are those who exhibit better overall results in pleasure, less suffering and less work-related symptoms.