| Abstract: | When job stress beconies chronic, it can result in the syndrome of burnout. This is characterized by feelings of reduced personal accomplishment, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalizing attitudes towards patients and colleagues. This pilot study explored burnout in a sample of hospital-based registcrcd occupational therapists employed in Virginia. Scores from 129 OTRs on the Maslach Burnout lnventory and a demographic data sheet were analyzed. Burnout scores were compared for OTRs working in physical disabilities, mental health, and developmental disabilitics. Also, the subjects were compared bascd on time spent in direct patient scrvice. The sample rcported moderate levels of burnout. The only statistically significant finding was that the OTRs who spent the least time with patients reported more depersonalization (intensity only) than their peers. Thc results did not replicate those from a previous report that psychiatric occupational therapists arc experiencing more burnout than other occupational therapists. Much further research appears to bc needed on the topic. |
