The role of coworker and supervisor social support in alleviating the experience of burnout for caregivers in the human-services industry

Abstract

This study focused on empathic communication and burnout (Miller, Stiff, & Ellis, 1988). Specifically, it explored the role of social support in reducing the likelihood of burnout among 112 caregivers from a human-services organization. The results revealed that social support helps caregivers provide better treatment to clients and reduces symptoms of burnout. Specifically, coworker support enhanced caregiver communicative responsiveness and supervisor support reduced caregiver perceptions of depersonalization. In addition, caregivers who reported high levels of emotional exhaustion indicated a desire to leave the organization. © 2009 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All right reserved.