Workplace violence in social care settings: traumatic stress and burnout in staff
Authors
Dowling, Daniel
Issue Date
2019
Degree
Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between frequency of exposure to physical violence/aggression and traumatic stress and burnout in social care workers (SCWs). One hundred SCWs were surveyed using non-experimental, cross-sectional, quantitative design with three questionnaires: Demographic questionnaire, revised Impact of Events Scale and Maslach Burnout Inventory. Responses were analysed using SPSS quantitative software and utilised descriptive statistics, non-parametric correlational and comparative statistical tests. Results indicated statistically significant positive relationships between the frequency of exposure to physical aggression/violence and traumatic stress and burnout measures. Results also indicated significant positive correlations between traumatic stress and burnout. Furthermore, exposure to workplace violence/aggression, traumatic stress, and burnout also positively correlated with SCWs desire to leave the profession in the next five years. Finally, results indicated the presence of a significant protective role of self-care in moderating the perceived effects of workplace violence/aggression on traumatic stress and burnout in SCWs.