Burnout in Hospital Social Workers Who Work with AIDS Patients

Fears of a future shortage of experienced social workers in the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) field because of burnout prompted this study of 128 hospital social workers who work with AIDS patients. Results show that hospital AIDS social workers had slightly higher rates of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization on the Maslach Burnout Inventory but also felt a substantially higher level of personal accomplishment. Age, autonomy, and belonging to a support group explained 19 percent of the variance in burnout. Hospital administrators are urged to examine their administrative policies concerning these factors and to explore ways to preserve and enhance the most satisfying aspects of the work. Further research is encouraged to explore the relationship between young age and burnout and to better understand the factors that make AIDS work satisfying.