Investigating predictors and moderators of burnout in staff working in services for people with intellectual disabilities: the role of emotional intelligence, exposure to violence and self-efficacy

Objectives: Understanding predictors of burnout could potentially aid interventions for staff working in services for people with intellectual disabilities (ID). This study sought to understand predictors of burnout for staff specifically focusing on the moderating effect of emotional intelligence (EI) and self-efficacy.

Methods: Eighty-six staff members working in services for people with ID completed a series of questionnaires about their experiences of violence, burnout [emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and reduced personal accomplishment (PA)], self-efficacy, and EI.

Results: Exposure to violence and low self-efficacy predicted EE and DP. Self-efficacy moderated the relationship between exposure to violence, DP, and EE. Emotional intelligence predicted PA. Emotional intelligence did not moderate the relationship between violence and burnout.

Conclusions: Self-efficacy may potentially protect individuals from the development of burnout while working in services for people with ID. Further research is needed into the utility of the construct of EI and exploring the role of staff EI in the context of services for people with ID.