Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine common occupational or specific work-place organizational and individual key factors, which are most troublesome stressors for occupations in the field of special education (teachers, nurses, special education teachers). The study included 224 participants who were employed as special education teaching staff at each five Montenegro public institutions for persons who have a variety of disabilities. The response rate was 75% (n = 162). Data were collected using the Occupational Stress Questionnaire, short version, developed in Finish Occupational Institute. Seventy two special education teaching staffs (44%) in Montenegro have reported that they had experienced chronic job distress. The common perceived environmental factors which may significantly correlate to distress among special education staff between three occupations were: low level of control over the work (p=0.001), lack of support from superior (p=0.018), lack of support from colleagues (p=0.001), work have phases that are very difficult (p=0.001), work is mentally strenuous (p=0.001) and work is physically strenuous (p=0.001). Results were interpreted and implications for special education teachers were suggested.

Key words: Special education teaching staff, job distress, workplace stressors.