Burnout and social support among social workers in the gerontological field in Spain

Abstract

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This study explores burnout prevalence and its associated factors among social workers in Spain’s gerontological field using a quantitative approach, that includes the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS), the Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS-3), and the Attitudes Towards Lying to People with Dementia (ALPD) questionnaire. A sample of 253 social workers revealed 62.5% report low emotional exhaustion, 73.9% low depersonalization, and 49.5% high personal accomplishment. Hierarchical regression analysis shows a negative link between social support and burnout, greater emotional exhaustion in women, and lower depersonalization with increasing age. Practical implications for workplace support and other strategies are discussed.