Stressors reported by elementary school counselors across the State of Wisconsin and implications that lead to career resiliency

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to report what stressors elementary guidance counselors across the State of Wisconsin experienced throughout their counseling career. These counselors were also asked to evaluate a range of activities that may relieve stress and rate the effectiveness level of each activity as it related to their individual career resiliency. One hundred elementary school counselors were mailed this two-page survey. Page one of the survey pertained to stressors that they individually might have experienced on a daily or regular basis in their role as school counselor. Page two of the survey allowed the counselor to indicate specific ways in which they dealt with stress and the effectiveness of these specific strategies. Survey participants were asked to indicate if they were interested in being contacted for a follow-up interview. Of the 100 surveys sent, 58 surveys were returned completed. Of the 58 completed surveys, five respondents indicated they would be available for a follow-up telephone interview. Since this low number of respondents was not a representative sample of those counselors that were sent surveys, the researcher utilized only the written survey results as data for this field study. The information found in this study has limited generalizability to other school counselors. Since the target group for his survey was elementary school counselors within the State of Wisconsin, results are meant to be generalizable only to this population.