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This study was designed to replicate nationwide surveys completed in 1982 and 1992. The purpose was to examine and describe the levels of job satisfaction and the relationship between the variables in a national sample of school psychologists belonging to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). The sample for this study consisted of respondents who reported being full-time school practitioners. Data were collected through mailed survey packets including a data form and a modified version of the 1977 Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ). Packets were mailed to 500 randomly selected members of the National Association of School Psychologists. Of the 308 packets returned, 234 were full-time school practitioners and were included in the analysis. Results indicated that 90% of school psychologists were satisfied or very satisfied with their jobs. The findings showed a gradual increase in overall job satisfaction when compared to the 85.7% in 1982 and the 86% in 1992 who reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their jobs. Participants in the current sample were more satisfied with their job security, independence, and creativity. The only variables demonstrating a significant relationship with job satisfaction were the intent to remain in current position and supervisor certification. Several recommendations and implications were drawn from the study. Trends in the field relating to gender, psychologist-to-student ratio, salary, degree status, and numerous other factors were discussed along with recommendations for future research. / Ph. D.

Paper 1: This first of three papers identified current areas of educational psychologist (EP) scholarship across key publications read by a sample of 13 EPs working in three different models of service delivery in England on the topic of developmental dyslexia (henceforth, dyslexia). Findings imply that the EPs sampled do not access high quality scientific research literature on dyslexia; most of the literature accessed appears to be non-peer reviewed and there is little information to support the development of EP practice for assessment and intervention, understanding the link between literacy failure and mental health, or how all this contributes to a consultation method of service delivery. Paper 2: The focus of the empirical paper was to describe and analyse how EPs currently conceptualise dyslexia and delineate what they do with regard to assessment and intervention. Furthermore, it explored how EPs' beliefs about dyslexia, and the wider social context, impact on practice. Findings suggest that dyslexia remains an area of significant confusion and contradiction for the EPs interviewed. Most continue to rely on the British Psychological Society's (BPS, 1999) definition but this appears to add to their confusion rather than clarify their thinking which, in turn, seems to reinforce their beliefs or 'world view' about dyslexia. A very narrow range of actual practice in terms of assessment and intervention was described by the participants. Paper 3: The final paper discussed evidence-based practice (EBP), effective dissemination strategies to promote and measure outcomes, and the impact of such research. To conclude, some thought is given to ways in which the current research contributes to EBP and possible media for dissemination.

Background: As a result of the changes in support for adults with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) and the increasing emphasis on independent living within the community, individuals commonly live in their own homes with support provided by voluntary or private services. As a result, support staff play a huge role in the lives of adults with ID and are often the mediators of interventions aimed at reducing distress or the occurrence of challenging behaviour. Issues relating to the well-being of support staff and how they manage behaviours that challenge services are central to the quality of the lives of adults with ID. Method: A systematic review was carried out regarding interventions aimed at reducing stress felt by staff supporting adults with ID, with the aim of informing the clinical practice of psychologists that work with such staff groups. An empirical study employing the qualitative methodology of grounded theory was also conducted to explore the experiences of staff working with clinical psychologists outside of their organisation in the development of support guidelines aimed at reducing challenging behaviour. Results: Findings from the Systematic Review highlighted the lack of high quality intervention studies aimed at reducing stress in staff. Some tentative support was found for interventions based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and those taking a more practical problem-solving approach. The empirical study resulted in a tentative model within which the role of expectations was highlighted as key to staff’s experiences of working with professionals. Conclusion: Further research is required in order to identify the most effective ways to reduce stress experienced by staff working with adults with ID. The constructed theoretical model suggests ways in which psychologists can understand the experience of staff and has implications for their practice.