Accuracy of self-assessment of burnout: A comparison with standardized scale scores

The purpose of this study was to determine if self-perceptions of burnout among a group of child welfare workers were correlated with composite scores from a standardized instrument used to measure burnout and job satisfaction. Participants were also asked about attempts to prevent burnout through training, consultation with a supervisor, and/or co-worker support. The sample consisted of 18 part-time Master of Social Work students from four university sites who were also working full-time in child welfare.; A strong negative correlation was found between self-assessed burnout ratings and job satisfaction scale scores, indicating that participants were fairly accurate in rating their level of burnout. The correlation between seeking support from colleagues and self-assessment of burnout was nearly significant. Most respondents indicated an interest in attending trainings or using training materials on the topic of preventing burnout.; The results imply that child welfare workers are aware of their levels of burnout and that child welfare agencies should provide interventions to help reduce these levels.