Differences in stress levels between managers and direct care staff in group homes

A survey examined the differences between managers and direct carers workin g in community homes for people with intellectual disabilities in terms of the nature and causes of stress. Fifty-seven managers and 49 direct carers provided data relating to perceived levels of pressure and support from a v ariety of sources. The questionnaire administered consisted of the Powell q uestionnaire of sources of stress and support ratings, a stress measure, an d information on the background characteristics of participants. Analysis o f the data revealed that managers of group homes were reporting higher leve ls of anxiety and pressure than direct carers. This was associated with man agers reporting higher ratings for sources of stress. The implications of t hese findings are discussed.