Stress among Pediatric Occupational Therapists: A Study of Prevalence, Work and Demographic Factors

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. A cross-sectional survey design study, using voluntary response sampling, was conducted. The survey included demographics, the Workplace Stress Scale, and the Stress Index. The sample included 289 pediatric occupational therapists. 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. 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. Occupational stress exists in pediatric occupational therapy work settings, especially in settings where high productivity is self-reported.