Perceived Stress, Basic Psychological Needs, and Quality of Life among Romanian School Counselors: A Mixed-Methods Study
Perceived Stress, Basic Psychological Needs, and Quality of Life among Romanian School Counselors: A Mixed-Methods Study

Author(s): Alina Mihaela Șeitan
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Psychology, Social psychology and group interaction, Organizational Psychology
Published by: Weik Press SRL
Keywords: school counselor; stress; basic psychological needs; quality of life; mixed-methods design;
Summary/Abstract: School counselors face daily complex situations, such as abuse, trauma, and the emotional and relational difficulties of students, as well as pressures from other educational actors (parents, teachers, and the wider school community). These factors can generate high levels of stress, reduce both professional and personal quality of life, and may even lead to suicidal thoughts. The present study investigates the relationship between perceived stress, the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, and quality of life among school counselors. A mixed-methods design was employed. The quantitative, correlational component included 43 school counselors from several counties, recruited through the Regional Centers for Resources and Educational Assistance. The qualitative component consisted of semi-structured interviews with three school counselors. Perceived stress was negatively associated with quality of life (r = -0.36, p < .05) and positively associated with frustration of psychological needs (r = 0.39, p < .001). Satisfaction of psychological needs showed a strong positive association with quality of life (r = 0.85, p < .001), explaining 73% of its variance. School counselors exhibit high levels of stress that significantly impact their quality of life. The satisfaction of basic psychological needs is an essential factor for maintaining well-being and professional balance. Study limitations include the small sample size and the subjective nature of self-report measures.

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