Burnout and coping among professionals in child and youth social services

Professionals working with children at risk are exposed to high emotional and organizational demands that increase their vulnerability to burnout and occupational stress, which may affect service quality and professional well-being. This study examines burnout levels and coping strategies among professionals working in child protection and social intervention services across six Spanish autonomous communities. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, burnout was assessed through the CESQT (Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Burnout Syndrome at Work), which measures four dimensions: Enthusiasm for Work, Psychic Burnout, Indolence, and Guilt. Psychosocial risk factors and coping strategies were also assessed through validated instruments. The findings indicate that most professionals reported high levels of Enthusiasm for Work and low levels of Guilt and Indolence; however, moderate levels of Psychic Burnout were prevalent, suggesting sustained emotional strain in this occupational context. Problem-focused and active coping strategies were the most frequently reported, whereas avoidance-based coping was associated with higher burnout risk. These results contribute to identifying psychosocial risk factors in child and youth social service professionals and highlight the importance of addressing occupational well-being through individual and organizational strategies that promote adaptive coping and professional support.