2025 Theses Doctoral

OT for OTs. An In-Depth Exploration of Factors Affecting Job Satisfaction and Well-being Among Occupational Therapists

LaRussa, Caitlin A.

This paper addresses the understudied issue of job satisfaction and well-being among occupational therapists (OTs) in the United States and the potential relationship between these concepts and those of practitioner efficacy and patient outcomes. To explore the multifaceted factors influencing their work experiences, 22 currently practicing occupational therapists with at least three years of experience were recruited for a descriptive exploratory qualitative study.

Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews focused on personal and professional histories, factors contributing to job satisfaction (person, interpersonal, work itself, environment, time), the relationship between job satisfaction and well-being, and recommendations for improvement. The most important findings revealed that job satisfaction is significantly influenced by supportive relationships with supervisors and colleagues, autonomy and flexibility in practice, clarity of values and meaningful work aligned with professional values, and a supportive work environment. Conversely, unrealistic productivity standards, administrative burdens, perceived lack of professional recognition, and constraints of the medical model significantly detract from satisfaction and contribute to burnout. In extreme cases, these factors can lead to moral injury, which refers to the lasting emotional, psychological, social, behavioral, and spiritual impacts of actions that violate a person’s core moral values and behavioral expectations of self or others (Litz et al., 2009). Participants perceived a strong bidirectional relationship between job satisfaction and overall well-being, with each influencing the other and impacting their effectiveness as therapists.

In conclusion, the study highlights the complex interplay of individual, organizational, and systemic factors shaping OTs' job satisfaction and well-being, underscoring the need for holistic approaches to support these professionals. Implications include the need for enhanced self-advocacy among OTs, supportive organizational cultures, and advocacy for systemic changes to improve working conditions, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and effective occupational therapy workforce and enhancing patient care. Future research should further explore the discrepancy between expectations and reality for OTs, the impact of specific organizational and environmental factors, the potential of non-traditional career paths for OTs, and the potential for this knowledge to generalize to and inform advances for other allied healthcare professionals.