Carly’s doctoral project through the University of Melbourne was Australia’s first empirical and psychologically-grounded research on judicial stress in Australia.
The study involved 152 judicial officers from five Australian courts, and explored the nature, prevalence, and severity of judicial stress, as well as the factors that promote and undermine judicial wellbeing.
We are proud to share our work — and hope these resources are helpful to you and your organisation. Please get in touch if you are interested in further material on the topic.
Major reports
The psychological impact of judicial work: Australia’s first research measuring judicial stress and wellbeing.
Schrever, Hulbert, & Sourdin (2019)
This first report arising from the research addresses the question: ‘Are judicial officers stressed?’, by comparing judicial officers’ stress levels on a range of measures, with those of the broader legal profession, other professional groups and the general population.
Where stress presides: Predictors and correlates of stress among Australian judges and magistrates
Schrever, Hulbert, & Sourdin (2021)
The second report addresses the question: ‘Which judicial officers are most stressed, and why?’, by considering the demographic and workplace factors associated with higher stress among judges and magistrates.
Where stress presides: Investigating occupational stress within the Australian judiciary
Schrever (2023)
Carly’s full doctoral thesis incorporates the published empirical studies, as well as other chapters exploring the background and context of the research, a review of existing literature, and a summary of the implications and impacts of the overall research project.
Summary articles
Australia’s first research measuring judicial stress and wellbeing: A preview of the findings
Schrever (2018), commencing at page 859
Australia’s first research measuring judicial stress: What does it mean for judicial officers and the courts?
Schrever (2019)
Judging stress
Schrever (2022)
How to manage the downside of compassion
Ryan and Schrever, Law Institute Journal (June 2023)
Judicial stress, the unmentionable and the undeniable: A summary of Australia's first empirical research measuring stress in judicial work
Schrever, Commonwealth Judicial Journal (June 2023)
In the news
Wellbeing survey of Australia’s judiciary reveals risk of distress and burnout
Pursuit, 6 May 2019
Mental health a concern in new judicial study
Lawyers Weekly, 13 May 2019
No longer a taboo: Psychologist Carly Schrever on judicial stress and wellbeing
Sydney Criminal Lawyers, 18 Dec 2020
Judicial stress falls heaviest on magistrates
Pursuit, 25 May 2021
Podcasts
Judges, magistrates, scrutiny, and mental health with lawyer and psychologist Carly Schrever
Potential Psychology – Podcast Episode 048, 17 Dec 2020
Victoria’s Yoo-rrook Justice Commission and new research on Magistrate stress levels
Radio National, 25 May 2021
