ABSTRACT

Objective : This study was performed to identify the relationship between occupational stress and job satisfaction among occupational therapists.Methods : A questionnaire was distributed and collected in November 2005. The Questionnaire consisted of 63 items including demographics, job characteristics, occupational stress, and job satisfaction. Occupational stress was categorized into eight sub-scales: physical environment, job demand, insufficient job control, interpersonal conflict, job insecurity, organizational system, lack of reward, and occupational atmosphere. By using a factor analysis, job satisfaction was classified into three categories: ‘task,’ ‘occupation,’ and ‘reward and opportunity.’Results : Task satisfaction was higher in occupational therapists who treat fewer patients a day, have more treating time per patient, and treat children and adolescents. Occupational satisfaction was higher in occupational therapists who treat fewer patients a day and work with 2 to 4 colleagues. However, it was negatively associated with younger age and a lot of stress was related to the organizational system. Reward and opportunity satisfaction was higher in occupational therapists who are male, 30 to 34 years old, married, work less than 8 hours a day, have worked more than 5 years, and who make more than 2 million Korean won per month. Occupational therapists who were 30 to 34 years old and treat fewer patients a day felt a higher level of total job satisfaction. However, this was negatively related to higher occupational stress due to a lack of reward and the organizational system.Conclusion : The results suggest that occupational stress might play a significant role in decreasing job satisfaction of occupational therapists. In addition, improvement in job authorities and communication channels within an organization, and setting up a reward system such as salary increases and career development, are needed.