Paper Presentations
Title
Counselor Know Thyself: The Impact of Mental Health Literacy and Stigma on Stress and Satisfaction in Practicing Counselors
Session Type
Paper Presentation
Abstract
As a professional counselor, awareness of one’s attitudes, biases, and assumptions is critical. Previous research has demonstrated that counselors are not immune to experiencing stigma—negative attitudes towards mental illness—and do not seek professional services when concerns arise. Furthermore, researchers have begun to explore relationships between mental health literacy and stigma and how these impact stress and satisfaction levels. To examine these variables, we surveyed a total of 145 practicing counselors. Findings indicated that higher levels of self-stigma and negative attitudes towards help-seeking predicted greater levels of stress and less life satisfaction. Mental health literacy did not predict stress or life satisfaction. These results are discussed with emphasis on clinical implications. (33 minutes)
Recommended Citation
Spargo, A. L. (2020, October 1-2). Counselor know thyself: The impact of mental health literacy and stigma on stress and satisfaction in practicing counselors [Paper presentation]. Walden University Research Conference 2020 (online). https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/researchconference/2020/papers/14/
Counselor Know Thyself: The Impact of Mental Health Literacy and Stigma on Stress and Satisfaction in Practicing Counselors
As a professional counselor, awareness of one’s attitudes, biases, and assumptions is critical. Previous research has demonstrated that counselors are not immune to experiencing stigma—negative attitudes towards mental illness—and do not seek professional services when concerns arise. Furthermore, researchers have begun to explore relationships between mental health literacy and stigma and how these impact stress and satisfaction levels. To examine these variables, we surveyed a total of 145 practicing counselors. Findings indicated that higher levels of self-stigma and negative attitudes towards help-seeking predicted greater levels of stress and less life satisfaction. Mental health literacy did not predict stress or life satisfaction. These results are discussed with emphasis on clinical implications. (33 minutes)
Recommended Citation
Spargo, A. L. (2020, October 1-2). Counselor know thyself: The impact of mental health literacy and stigma on stress and satisfaction in practicing counselors [Paper presentation]. Walden University Research Conference 2020 (online). https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/researchconference/2020/papers/14/
