Effects of Aggressive Behavior and Perceived Self-Efficacy on Burnout Among Staff of Homes for the Elderly

This study elicits effects of experienced aggressive behavior and perceived self-efficacy in coping with aggressive behavior on the dimensions of burnout of staff caring for the elderly (N = 551). From the results of the hierarchical regression analysis it appears that physical and psychological aggression and the number of weekly working hours has an effect on emotional exhaustion of staff. Psychological aggression is found to have an effect on depersonalization. The number of weekly working hours and the perceived self-efficacy in turn appear to have an effect on personal accomplishment. Neither sex nor age has an effect on the burnout dimensions. Implications for research and suggestions for work and training of staff caring for the elderly are discussed.