Abstract:

This paper studies the role of seating plans for the contagion of stress in the

class room. Using a structural network model we study the spatial spillovers of

stress across the classroom depending on the seating arrangement. Based on a novel

panel data set for two classes with different seating arrangements we quantify stress

contagion among students. Our empirical findings show that the seating arrangement

in the classroom plays a decisive role for stress contagion. For learner centred seating

arrangement, the role of  the teacher is more decisive.