Role stressors, burnout, mediators, and job satisfaction: A stress-strain-outcome model and an empirical test

The purpose of this study was to develop and empirically evaluate a model that delineated the processes whereby clinical social workers experience burnout and job dissatisfaction in their workplaces. First, on the basis of an array of relevant variables as stress-strain (burnout)-outcome (job dissatisfaction), the proposed model specified interrelationships among work stressors and burnout, the intervening factors between burnout and job satisfaction, and the final outcome variable, job satisfaction. Then the theoretical model was translated into an empirically testable model. Finally, the model was tested with a sample of 165 clinical social workers in Florida by using linear structural relation (LISREL) techniques. The results of analysis of components fit indicated that role conflict did intensify the amount of burnout and job dissatisfaction. Social support acted as an intervening and moderating factor between burnout and job dissatisfaction. Implications for social work practice are provided.