Personal value preferences and burnout of social workers

Abstract

Summary The present study examines the connection between the personal value preferences of social workers and their burnout. A total of 512 Israeli social workers participated in the study. Findings Socio-demographic characteristics explained only a small proportion of the variance in the social workers' burnout; however, years of experience in social work, education, and salary were significant predictors of the social workers' burnout. Personal value preferences explained a substantial proportion of the variance in the social workers' burnout beyond the effect of the socio-demographic variables. A higher preference for the benevolence, universalism, and achievement values and a lower preference for the power and face values were associated with less burnout. Applications The results obtained are discussed in light of the value congruence paradigm. The study's implications for the training and practice of social workers are discussed.