The Relationship Between a School Psychologists Workplace Stressors to Their Home Life Functioning

Authors

Trevor Burns, Western Kentucky UniversityFollow

Publication Date

8-2025

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Sarah Bonis, Shanna Bowers, David Castleman

Degree Program

Department of Psychology

Degree Type

Specialist in Education

Abstract

School psychologists face increasing professional demands due to rising caseloads, paperwork requirements, and staffing shortages, which contribute to elevated levels of occupational stress. Although prior research has examined job-related stress within the profession, little attention has been given to how these stressors may impact practitioners’ personal and home lives. The purpose of this study was to examine how occupational stress experienced by school psychologists relates to stress experienced in their home lives. A total of 176 practicing school psychologists from across the United States completed an anonymous online survey, which included the School Psychologist Distress Inventory (SPDI) and a newly developed home stress scale. The most commonly reported occupational stressors were having too many responsibilities, not enough time to complete job duties, paperwork and documentation requirements, feeling overworked, and high caseloads. Results showed a statistically significant, moderate positive correlation between occupational and home life stress, suggesting that job related pressures often carry over into personal and family domains. An exploratory factor analysis supported a four-factor structure for the home stress scale, although some items did not load clearly and may require revision in future research. These findings highlight the need for both systemic and personal supports to help school psychologists manage stress and maintain well-being in both their professional and personal lives.

Disciplines

Educational Administration and Supervision | Medicine and Health Sciences | Mental and Social Health | Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social Psychology | Special Education and Teaching

Recommended Citation

Burns, Trevor, "The Relationship Between a School Psychologists Workplace Stressors to Their Home Life Functioning" (2025). Masters Theses & Specialist Projects. Paper 3851.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/3851