Connection between job demands and burnout and quality of life among social workers in Serbia

Social workers are at a higher risk of work-related stress, burnout, and a lower quality of life compared to the general population and other health professionals. This is why it is important to examine factors and consequences of burnout among social workers. The aim of the study was to investigate connection between job demands (workload, emotional demands) and burnout and quality of life among social workers in Serbia. The Job Demands–Resources explanatory model of burnout was the theoretical framework of the study. The sample population consisted of 102 social workers working in Serbia. The aim of the study was tested with the use of tools measuring job demands (Workload scale and Scale of emotional demands), job burnout (Copenhagen Burnout Inventory), and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF). Job demands were negatively related to quality of life, and positively related to burnout. In addition, burnout was negatively related to quality of life. The results support the notion of the Job Demands-Resources model and provide further insight into energetic process in which high job demands lead to burnout and health problems.