Burnout Among Mental Health Workers: a Review and a Research Agenda

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review studies of burnout relating to mental health workers and to propose directions for future research. It will summarize findings with regard to established norms, demographic variables, possible antecedents and consequences of burnout, and burnout models tested with mental health workers. Comparison of group perceptions of burnout is facilitated by the fact that all the papers but one have used the Maslach Burnout Inventory (Maslach & Jackson, 1981, 1986). Strengths and weaknesses of the research will be analyzed and suggestions offered for extending research in this area.