Factors associated with burnout in workers in residential facilities for people with an intellectual disability

Burnout is a syndrome which occurs frequently amongst individuals who work in human service occupations (Maslach & Jackson, 1981). These researchers suggest that burnout is comprised of three dimensions - emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and reduced sense of personal accomplishment. Burnout has been shown not only to induce a decline in the quality of care provided to clients by staff, but it also is linked to job turnover, absenteeism and low morale. The current research reports the extent of association between the burnout scores of residential workers and variables such as religious affiliation, personal relationships, perceived skill levels, job satisfaction, case loads, decision-making and social support. Significant associations were found between burnout scores and some demographic variables (e. g. practice of religion was associated with low burnout scores). Similarly, low burnout scores were associated with some features of the work situation (e. g. job satisfaction). The implications for policy development and service delivery are discussed.