Effects of perception of client relationship on burnout among human service professionals

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate perception of client relationship by human service professionals and its possible relationship with burnout. One hundred sixty-five (165) human service professionals, nurses and careworkers, completed a questionnaire. Results indicated that they typically rated their relationship with clients to be better than the average, and thus showing an enhancement tendency in their perception. In addition, regression analysis showed that the main effects of positive evaluation of themselves and clients were found on burnout, but not on psychological stress reaction. Furthermore, positive client evaluation had a buffering effect on depersonalization in cases of interpersonal conflict with clients. These results suggested that perception of close relationship with clients was one of the most important factors for preventing burnout of human service professionals.