Burnout among social workers in Iran: relations to individual characteristics and client violence

Glob J Health Sci. 2013 May 2;5(4):142-50. doi: 10.5539/gjhs.v5n4p142.

Abstract

Social workers are considered a professional group at high risk of burnout. Noticing the insufficient human resource management and understaffed social work centers, Iranian social workers are faced with a considerable level of physical and mental stress, which can lead to burnout. A national study on 390 social workers was conducted. Among social workers, 10.9% had experienced burnout and 17.4% are at risk of developing burnout. Social workers scored higher in burnout if they were dissatisfied with their income, had experienced violence, or had lower self-esteem. Findings are discussed with regard to Iranian context and recommendations for authorities of Iranian state welfare organizations are made.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Burnout, Professional / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iran / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Self Concept*
  • Social Support
  • Social Work / statistics & numerical data*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Stress, Psychological / epidemiology
  • Violence / psychology
  • Violence / statistics & numerical data*