What protects youth residential caregivers from burning out? A longitudinal analysis of individual resilience

Abstract

Background: Professional caregivers are exposed to multiple stressors and have high burnout rates; however, not all individuals are equally susceptible. We investigated the association between resilience and burnout in a Swiss population of professional caregivers working in youth residential care. Methods: Using a prospective longitudinal study design, participants (n = 159; 57.9% women) reported on burnout symptoms and sense of coherence (SOC), self‐efficacy and self‐care at four annual sampling points. The associations of individual resilience measures and sociodemographic variables, work‐related and personal stressors, and burnout symptoms were assessed. Cox proportional hazards regressions were calculated to compute hazard ratios over the course of three years. Results: Higher SOC, self‐efficacy and self‐care were related to lower burnout symptoms in work‐related and personal domains. Higher SOC and self‐efficacy were reported by older caregivers and by those with children. All three resilience measures were highly correlated. A combined model analysis weakened the protective effect of self‐efficacy, leaving only SOC and self-care negatively associated with burnout. Conclusion: This longitudinal analysis suggests that SOC and self‐caring behaviour in particular protect against burnout. Our findings could have implications for promoting self‐care practices, as well as cultivating a meaningful, comprehensible and manageable professional climate in all facets of institutional care.