Burnout in social workers treating children as related to demographic characteristics, work environment, and social support

This study examined sense of burnout among 126 social workers who directly treat children and adolescents within the human service professions. Burnout was investigated in relation to social workers' demographic characteristics (age, family status, education, and seniority at work), extrinsic and intrinsic work conditions, and social support by colleagues, direct supervisors, and organization managers. Findings indicated, on average, a moderate intensity of burnout among these social workers who directly treat children and adolescents. Burnout was significantly negatively correlated with age, seniority, intrinsic (psychological) work conditions, and social support within the organization. Colleague and supervisor support contributed significantly to explaining the variance in burnout intensity. Various explanations are discussed.