Work satisfaction among rural mental health staff.

Previous studies demonstrating low levels of work satisfaction among mental health staff have failed to investigate specific correlates such as employment status, educational and caseload characteristics or to consider differences in a rural organizational context. Responses on 11 work satisfaction items were compared on 16 work and educational characteristics for 47 clinical staff in rural mental health facilities. The correlates of work satisfaction identified are compared to previous job satisfaction studies, and profiles of least and most satisfied staff are discussed.