Estudio exploratorio sobre el síndrome de Burnout en la profesión de Trabajo Social y su relación con variables del contexto laboral

Abstract

Social Work is a risk occupation regarding the development of burnout syndrome, due to the fact that social workers usually deal with people who are going through crisis situations. This syndrome causes serious consequences not only for the professional affected, but also for his/her personal and work environment. Therefore, it is relevant to analyse the magnitude of burnout syndrome and to identify the factors that may contribute both to its development and prevention. The present study is aimed, in the first place, to examine the prevalence of the burnout syndrome in a sample of 32 social workers from community social services in the island of Tenerife (Spain). In the second place, to analyse the relation between the three dimensions of the syndrome and some of the variables that characterize the work environment of these professionals. Results indicate that the sample show high levels of personal accomplishment and intermediate levels of emotional exhaustion, whereas they show few indicators of despersonalization. In addition, year career and feelings of work overload are related to more emotional exhaustion; whereas feelings that work is valued by colleagues seems to be a protector regarding accomplishment.