Perceptions of Job Stress and Satisfaction Among School-Based SLPs: Challenges Versus Rewards

Abstract

Abstract This study utilized a survey design to gather information regarding caseload and employment factors affecting school-based speech-language pathologists' (SLP) perceptions of job stress and job satisfaction. Results indicated that respondents experienced relatively low levels of job stress and high levels of job satisfaction. The majority of respondents (95%) reported being somewhat satisfied or very satisfied with their jobs, while only one-third of respondents (35%) reported experiencing serious work problems. With the exception of caseload size, no significant relationships were found between caseload factors and job stress or satisfaction. However, one employment factor (paperwork) was a consistent predictor of all three stress measures. An analysis of open-ended responses indicated that responding SLPs were more challenged by employment-related factors than by student-related issues. Implications regarding the critical shortage of SLPs will be presented.