THE EVALUATION OF AN INDIVIDUAL BURNOUT INTERVENTION PROGRAM - THE ROLE OF INEQUITY AND SOCIAL SUPPORT

This study evaluated a 5-week, group-based burnout intervention progra m among direct-care professionals working with mentally disabled indiv iduals. Equity theory was used as the theoretical framework. The main objective of the program was to reduce perceptions of inequity in the relationship with the organization and with the recipients of care by increasing the fit between the professional's goals and expectations a nd the actual work situation. One experimental group and 2 control gro ups participated. All 3 groups filled out 3 questionnaires: before the program started, 6 months later, and 1 year later. Individual absente eism rates were assessed for 1 year before and after the program. Resu lts showed that in the experimental group burnout, absence, and depriv ed feelings diminished compared with the control groups. The most prof ound effects were among participants who could draw on social resource s to benefit from the intervention.