Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.31299/log.15.2.3

Mental Health Among Speech-Language Pathology Students and Professionals

Dora Alilović ; EmotiCor d.o.o
Julija Alduk ; Play Gym d.o.o. - Centar za razvojnu podršku djece Split
Melita Kovačević ; Edukacijsko-rehabilitacijski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu *

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Mental health is “a state of complete well-being that enables effective coping with life challenges, realizing potential, and contributing to the community,” and “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of illness or infirmity” (WHO, 2001, as cited in Herrman et al., 2005). This definition emphasizes the dual composition of mental health, encompassing both positive mental health (well-being) and mental disorders. Given the lack of research on the mental health of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Croatia, the main objectives of this study were to assess the positive mental health of SLPs based on work experience and employment system, and to evaluate the mental health of speech-language pathology (SLP) students, comparing their results with those of the general student population and analyzing differences between undergraduate and graduate levels. Data were collected using the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form. The study involved 155 SLP students and 217 working SLPs, with data analyzed using SPSS software and descriptive/non-parametric statistics. No significant difference was found between undergraduate and graduate SLP students, but a statistically significant difference was observed compared to students from other fields. The percentage of SLP students with high positive mental health is 25.8%, while 4.5% have low mental health. Among SLPs, no significant difference was found based on experience, but a significant difference was observed based on the employment system, with the highest mental health levels in the private sector. The percentage of SLPs with high positive mental health is 40.55%, while 4.15% have low mental health. The results suggest the need for further research and the promotion of mental health, particularly in students and helping professions.

Keywords

mental health; speech-language pathologists; speech-language pathology students; work experience; employment system

Hrčak ID:

343652

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/343652

Publication date:

31.12.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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