Is there a relationship between role identity, work demands, and burnout in direct care staff working with individuals with intellectual disability?

ABSTRACT

Background The relationship between work demands and burnout is complex and it is likely that a number of different variables mediate this relationship. The study had 2 aims: first, to investigate whether there is a relationship between work demands and staff burnout, and, second, to explore whether role identity or self-determination mediates this relationship.

Method Seventy staff completed measures examining burnout, role identity, self-determination, and work demands.

Results A relationship was found between work demands and burnout. Relationships between personal accomplishment, and role identity and self-determination were found. A negative correlation was found between work demands and self-determination. Regression analyses demonstrated that role identity and self-determination did not mediate the relationship between work demands and burnout.

Conclusion Role identity and self-determination were associated with personal accomplishment, which suggest that an individual’s view of their work-based role and role-relevant behaviours are important in relation to what they get out of their work. This has implications for training and the design of care roles.

KEYWORDS:

• staff
• burnout
• intellectual disability
• work demands
• role identity
• self-determination