ERIC Number: EJ1391864
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Apr
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0161-1461
EISSN: EISSN-1558-9129
Available Date: N/A
School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists' Stress and Burnout: A Cross-Sectional Survey at the Height of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, v54 n2 p456-471 Apr 2023
Purpose: Low retention of school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) is a growing problem that can have drastic consequences at the school and student levels. Factors contributing to this shortage include features of the work environment, role ambiguity, low salaries, and a demanding workload with higher caseloads, which can result in limited time for paperwork and lesson planning for optimal service delivery models. The purpose of this study was to determine the current levels and predictors of occupational stress and burnout SLPs are experiencing in the school setting. Method: Using a cross-sectional survey design, 453 school-based SLPs from across the United States reported their workload manageability, career intentions, access to social support, and their stress and burnout levels. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the relation between the variables of interest and the occupational stress and burnout scores. Data were collected in September to December of 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: SLPs, on average, reported overall stress levels in the somewhat noticeable range, moderate access to social support, high levels of emotional exhaustion, low-to-moderate feelings of depersonalization, and moderate-to-high feelings of personal accomplishments. Based on a standardized burnout scale, SLPs in this sample are characterized as feeling ineffective and overextended. Results of linear regression models suggest that the perception of work manageability was the best predictor of Total Stress score, Emotional Exhaustion score, and Depersonalization score, in this sample. Conclusions: Data from this study offer the beginning steps to making an informed change for school-based SLPs' workplaces. Results indicated that SLPs in the school setting are feeling ineffective and overextended. The perception of their workload manageability was the most significant predictor for their reported stress and burnout levels. Suggestions for SLP supervisors, administrators, and other stakeholders are discussed.
Descriptors: Speech Language Pathology, Allied Health Personnel, Stress Variables, Burnout, COVID-19, Pandemics, Barriers, Predictor Variables, Work Environment, Responsibility, Intention, Labor Turnover, Social Support Groups, Psychological Patterns, Measures (Individuals)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 2200 Research Blvd #250, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel: 301-296-5700; Fax: 301-296-8580; e-mail: lshss@asha.org; Web site: http://lshss.pubs.asha.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Maslach Burnout Inventory
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A