Burnout Syndrome among Field Social Workers of Social Protection of Children and Social Guardianship

Lenka Zatkova, Elena Gazikova

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Our research sought to identify the incidence rate of burnout among field social workers specialising in the social protection of children and social guardianship, as well as preventive measures to decrease the burnout rate. THEORETICAL BASE: As part of the theoretical base, we focused on the definition of burnout syndrome, its prevention, and field social workers specialising in the social protection of children and social guardianship, who are at a higher risk of burnout syndrome. METHODS: To detect burnout syndrome, we used the MBI Questionnaire, supplemented with questions aimed at preventing burnout syndrome among field social workers. The research sample consisted of 113 field social workers specialising in the social protection of children and social guardianship. OUTCOMES: The research revealed a medium degree of emotional exhaustion, a low degree of depersonalization, and a medium degree of burnout in the personal accomplishment dimension among the respondents. From the results, we found that workers aged 36 to 45 have a statistically significantly lower level of emotional exhaustion than the group of workers aged 22 to 35; it was also evident that respondents aged 22 to 35 have a statistically significantly lower level of personal satisfaction than respondents aged 36 to 45. SOCIAL WORK IMPLICATIONS: In conclusion, specific recommendations for practice based on the suggestions of field social workers have been formulated.

Keywords
burnout prevention, social and legal protection of children and social guardianship, burnout syndrome, field social worker

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