Burnout and engagement in fourth-year social work students : why we should be concerned

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Date

Authors

Le Roux, M.P. (Liana)
Steyn, Francois
Hall, Brittany

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Stellenbosch, Department of Social Work

Abstract

This article focuses on levels of burnout as well as engagement experienced by fourth-year undergraduate social work students attending a South African university. By means of quantitative procedures, data were obtained from 43 final-year social work students who completed a self-administered questionnaire. Respondents presented with above-average levels of exhaustion, professional efficacy, vigour, dedication and absorption, and below average levels of cynicism. Non-parametric procedures revealed significant differences in the levels of burnout related to population group, place of origin and household income status. Recommendations focus on monitoring the wellbeing of students and mobilising support for students who appear more vulnerable to burnout and low academic engagement.

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Keywords

Students, South African university, Social work, Exhaustion, Burnout, Engagement

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Le Roux, L., Steyn, F. & Hall, B. 2018, 'Burnout and engagement in fourth-year social work students : why we should be concerned', Social Work / Maatskaplike Werk, vol. 54, no. 3, pp. 178-193.