The relationship between perceived organisational support and emotional exhaustion in intellectual and developmental disability services

Purpose Staff supporting individuals who engage in “challenging behaviour” have been identified as at risk of burnout. Despite direct support staff playing a fundamental role in the delivery of preventative approaches such as positive behaviour support, relatively little is known about factors which reduce the likelihood of stress and burnout in this population. The purpose of this study was to investigate several factors which may play a preventative role with respect to stress and burnout. Design/methodology/approach This study investigated the relationships between perceived organisational support (POS) and trait mindfulness, with emotional exhaustion. Eighty-four staff members completed the survey of perceived organisation support, the mindful attention awareness scale and the emotional exhaustion scale from the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Findings A multiple regression identified that POS, trait mindfulness and working with adults, negatively predicted emotional exhaustion. The strongest predictor of emotional exhaustion was POS. These findings provide evidence that POS and mindfulness could play a preventative role in the development of burnout. As POS was the strongest predictor, it is recommended that organisations in this field do not underestimate the importance of their staff feeling valued. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study conducted in intellectual and developmental disability services within the UK, investigating the relationship between either POS or trait mindfulness with emotional exhaustion.