Factors that contribute to burnout : the perception and experiences of Maltese social workers

Abstract

Social work is a helping profession that is so much needed in society. Nevertheless due to the nature of the job, social work may be vulnerable to factors that lead to burnout. Burnout prevents a worker from functioning effectively due to symptoms that prevent him/her to practice professional ethical conduct (Schaufeli, Maslach & Marek, 1993). By understanding burnout and those factors that contribute to burnout through literature, the perception and experience of burnout of Maltese social workers will be studied. This will be done by conducting in depth interviews with ten social workers from the social work agency 'Appoġġ'. According to the result of these interviews, recommendations will be put forward which may help to prevent burnout in social work.