This study aims to examine the mediating effects of job satisfaction, empathy, and the Big Five personality traits on the relationship between job stress and psychological burnout among speech-language pathologists. An online self-report survey was co...
This study aims to examine the mediating effects of job satisfaction, empathy, and the Big Five personality traits on the relationship between job stress and psychological burnout among speech-language pathologists. An online self-report survey was conducted, and 330 responses were collected, with 310 responses used for data analysis. The results of the analysis are as follows. First, job stress and psychological burnout showed a significant positive correlation. Secondly, job satisfaction exhibited an indirect mediating effect in the relationship between job stress and psychological burnout. Job autonomy, interpersonal relationships, and inadequate compensation from job stress were significantly associated with job satisfaction. Additionally, job satisfaction was significantly associated with reduced psychological burnout through factors such as personal growth, authority in teaching, sense of accomplishment in teaching, and recognition of achievements. Thirdly, empathy exhibited an indirect mediating effect in the relationship between job stress and psychological burnout. Job demands from job stress were positively correlated with empathy, while job autonomy and interpersonal relationships were negatively correlated with empathy. Moreover, empathy was significantly and positively associated with cognitive empathy in relation to psychological burnout. Fourthly, neuroticism of the Big Five personality traits exhibited a significant indirect mediating effect on psychological burnout, whereas extraversion and agreeableness showed non-significant indirect mediating effects. Based on the research findings, it was observed that higher job stress among speech-language pathologists is associated with increased psychological burnout. However, even when job stress is high, higher levels of job satisfaction and empathy appear to correlate with lower levels of psychological burnout. Additionally, it was found that personality factors among speech-language pathologists influence how internal and external variables related to their job affect them. Based on this, it is expected that this study will serve as foundational data for developing practical strategies to enhance positive impacts among speech-language pathologists by addressing psychological factors. Finally, the study discusses limitations and provides recommendations for future research to follow up on these findings.