Skip to main content
Log in

Work satisfaction among rural mental health staff

  • Articles
  • Published:
Community Mental Health Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Previous studies demonstrating low levels of work satisfaction among mental health staff have failed to investigate specific correlates such as employment status, educational and caselood characteristics or to consider differences in a rural organizational context. Responses on 11 work satisfaction items were compared on 16 work and educational characteristics for 47 clinical staff in rural mental health facilities. The correlates of work satisfaction identified are compared to previous job satisfaction studies, and profiles of least and most satisfied staff are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Clayton, T. Issues in the delivery of rural mental health services.Hospital and Community Psychiatry, 1977,28, 673–676.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cherniss, C., & Egnatios, E. Is there job satisfaction in community mental health.Community Mental Health Journal, 1978a,14(4), 309–318.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cherniss, C., & Egnatios, E. Participation in decision-making by staff in community mental health programs.American Journal of Community Psychology, 1978b,6(2), 171–190.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis, M. K. Intrarole conflict and job satisfaction on psychiatric units.Nursing Research, 1974,23(6), 482–488.

    Google Scholar 

  • Denman, S. B., & Ryder, F. P. Occupational satisfaction and dissatisfaction among psychiatric aides.Hospital and Community Psychiatry, 1971,22(4), 123–125.

    Google Scholar 

  • Folkins, C., O'Reilly, C., Roberts, K., & Miller, S. Physical environment and job satisfaction in a community mental health center.Community Mental Health Journal, 197713(1), 24–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glasscote, R. M., & Gudeman, J. E.The staff of the mental health center. Washington, D. C.: Joint Information Service APA & National Association of Mental Health, 1969.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ginsberg, L. H. Social work in rural communities with an emphasis on mental health services. In P. A. Keller & J. D. Murray (Eds.),Handbook of rural community mental health. New York: Human Sciences Press, Inc., 1982.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hargrove, D. S. An overview of professional cosiderations in the rural community. In P. A. Keller & J. D. Murray (Eds.),handbook of rural community mental health. New York: Human Sciences Press, Inc., 1982.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keller, P. A., & Prutsman, T. D. Training for professional psychology in the rural community. In P. A. Keller & J. D. Murray (Eds.)Handbook of rural community mental health. New York: Human Sciences Press, Inc., 1982.

    Google Scholar 

  • Locke, E. A. The nature and causes of job satisfaction. In M. D. Dunnette (Ed.),Handbook of industrial and organizational psychology. Chicago: Rand-McNally, 1976, pp. 1297–1350.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mazer, M. The therapist in the community. In: H. Grunebaum (Ed.),The practice of community mental health. Boston: Little, Brown, 1970.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mazer, M.People and predicaments: Of life and distress on Martha's Vineyard. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1976.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mermelstein, J. & Sundet, P. Community control and the determination of professional role in rural mental health. InHuman services in the rural environment readen. Madison: University of Wisconsin-Extension, 1977.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sarason, S. B.Work, aging, and social change. New York: The Free Press, 1977, ch. 10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sarata, B. V. P. Job characteristics, work satisfaction, and task involvement as correlates of service delivery strategies.American Journal of Community Psychology, 1977,5(1), 99–109.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sims, H. P., & Szilagyi, A. D. Leader structure and subordinate satisfaction for two hospital administrative levels: A path analysis approach.Journal of Applied Psychology, 1975,60(2), 194–197.

    Google Scholar 

  • Webb, L. J., Gold, R. S., Brady, C. P., Chapman, R. B., Ferree, E., & Delange, W. Employee's satisfaction among workers in mental health settings.Psychological Reports, 1980,47, 30.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Jerrell, J.M. Work satisfaction among rural mental health staff. Community Ment Health J 19, 187–200 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00759552

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00759552

Keywords

Navigation