Date Presented 04/04/2025
Occupational stress exists for OTPs. Demographic and work factors predicting occupational stress will be discussed to assess the cause of occupational stress and prevent or treat burnout.
Primary Author and Speaker: Christopher A. Goffredo
PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the self-reported stress levels of pediatric occupational therapists, examine specific work factors, and determine if demographic factors predict occupational stress.
DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey design study using voluntary response sampling was conducted.
METHOD: The survey included demographics, the Workplace Stress Scale, and the Stress Index. Using descriptive analysis, a one-sample t-test, and multiple linear regressions, results indicated that pediatric occupational therapists had significantly higher stress levels than the validating sample of the Workplace Stress Scale.
RESULTS: The sample included 289 pediatric occupational therapists. Self-reported work factors included too much work to do in a limited time and lack of time to plan or evaluate treatments. No demographic factors predicted work stress, while several work factors did.
CONCLUSION: Occupational stress exists in pediatric occupational therapy work settings, especially where high productivity is self-reported.
References
Goffredo, C. A., Bowyer, P., & Yeatts, P. (2024). Stress among pediatric occupational therapists: A study of prevalence, work and demographic factors. Occupational Therapy In Health Care, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2024.2309677
Goffredo, C.A., Bowyer, P., Reis, H. I., & Humphrey, J. (2022) Pediatric occupational therapists and occupational stress: A scoping review, Occupational Therapy in Health Care, https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2022.2156024
