Another Look at Occupational Stressors among School Psychologists

School psychologists in a Southeastern state were surveyed on two occasions regarding their perceptions of various occupational stressors using the School Psychologists and Stress Inventory (Wise, 1985). Modified instructions were used to elicit actual (vs expected) levels of distress associated with each of the 35 items. The results revealed a different factor structure, different weightings of stress levels for particular job stressors, and different relationships with demographic variables. Seven-month stability estimates varied considerably, with some occupational stressors demonstrating substantial stability. Items related to organizational resources were rated as most stressful. Recommendations for future research and implications for practice were discussed.