| Abstract: | 264 therapists from a state in the midwestern US were surveyed to (1) confirm and clarify sources of stress for psychotherapists that originate in client sessions and the professional role and (2) explore certain irrational beliefs that therapists may hold and that may contribute to their own stress. Ss were asked to complete a questionnaire that assessed background information and therapist beliefs and that contained a 36-item therapist stress scale. Irrational beliefs (e.g., that one should operate at peak efficiency and competence with all clients at all times) are examined. Suicidal ideation, aggression/hostility, premature terminating, agitated anxiety, and apathy/depression were held to be the most stressful client behaviors, while crying, absence of gratitude, and negative community stereotypes were the least stressful. Group differences in stress are described, and implications for training programs and for more refined research endeavors are discussed. (36 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
