The high risk of burnout in the social work profession is well established, but little is known about burnout's impact on the physical health of social workers. This article examines the relationship between burnout and physical health, using data from a longitudinal study of social workers. California-registered social workers (N = 406) were…

Surveyed 128 hospital social workers who worked with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients. Found that hospital AIDS social workers had slightly higher rates of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization on Maslach Burnout Inventory but also felt substantially higher level of personal accomplishment. Age, autonomy, and belonging to…

Notes that intractability of many of today's problems creates unusual stress for social workers. Focuses on preparation of social workers for effective work in today's complex social environment and suggests five major areas that need to be emphasized in teaching, supervising, and training. (Author/NB)

Surveyed 275 social workers concerning job satisfaction and burnout. Findings revealed that perceived lack of autonomy and influence of funding sources were major contributors to burnout, and perceived autonomy and bureaucratization were major contributors to job satisfaction. Results challenge assumption that bureaucracy is most efficient form of…

Examined effects of role conflict on attitudes and performance of public child welfare administrators. Qualitative study found that respondents had developed specific, effective skills for responding to role conflict. Despite public presentation of self that indicated they were stressed, there was energizing effect resulting from ongoing challenge…

Reviews 18 studies on burnout in social workers. The literature indicates that social workers suffer less burnout than comparable occupational groups, and identifies factors associated with burnout and ways to prevent burnout. Analyzes the methodological quality of the studies and makes recommendations for improving research on burnout in social…

Conducted national survey of burnout among 1,196 social workers who work with elderly people. Examined extent to which workers experienced emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. Found that levels of gerontological social workers' burnout appeared lower than levels found among social workers in child welfare, mental…

Female child welfare workers and their husbands participated in a study of burnout and the effects of work stress on family relations. Results indicated that greater feelings of burnout in the workers were associated with their depression, anxiety, and irritableness. These individuals were also likely to report lower marital satisfaction.…

Compared 144 community mental health workers, 60 child welfare workers and 84 family service workers in terms of job satisfacation, burnout, and intent to change jobs. Results indicated child welfare workers reported higher levels of stress and suggested that interventions must consider the particular needs of each group. (JAC)

Surveyed 62 female social workers to examine the effects of support from supervisors, co-workers, and spouses on reducing burnout. Responses indicated social workers do perceive support from these sources, and high levels of support are associated with low levels of stress. (JAC)

Describes support groups for health care professionals who work with people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and who are experiencing burnout from excessive demands on their energy, strength, and resources. Discusses group administration, effective intervention techniques, and issues of health…