Pandemic‐related stressors of school counselors: Implications for resilience and retention

Abstract

This qualitative study examined 17 school counselors’ pandemic‐related experiences to identify demands, resources, and consequences to well‐being. Among the main demands were increases in student social‐emotional impairment, role confusion, and top‐down policy modifications that made it more challenging to do their jobs. The top resources were support from colleagues and individual limit‐setting. Consequences to well‐being were mixed, but exhaustion and recommitments to self‐care were the most frequently reported. Implications for retention of school counselors and training are discussed.