Job strain and stress among geriatric caregivers: A review and a research agenda

Providing adequate care of the aged, geriatric caregivers take a key positi on for the transfer of gerontological knowledge into practice. However, lit tle attention has been focussed on the work conditions and staff distress b y gerontologists. The purpose of this paper is to review studies on occupat ional stress relating to professional geriatric caregivers. Based on releva nt research concepts and paradigms, findings of the international literatur e are summarized. The review shows that occupational stress is affected by a number of work-related factors from behavior problems of the residents to time pressure and organizational deficits. The stress in turn can cause bu rnout, mental health problems, somatic complaints, and increased turnover. Social support and control at the workplace are supposed to contribute esse ntially to stress reduction. There are few empirical studies dealing with o ccupational stress among geriatric caregivers in Germany. Strengths and wea knesses of the studies will be analyzed and suggestions offered for future research in this area. Extending research is needed particularly on the wor k conditions in the increasing field of geriatric outpatient community serv ices. Inspite of its theoretical and methodological shortcomings, the findi ngs highlight the need for strategies to prevent physical and mental health problems, burnout, and job turnover. It is a challenge for gerontological research to obtain more knowledge on the work-related factors leading to st ress as well as to establish effective intervention strategies to reduce it s long-term consequences.