Analysis of the Predictors and Consequential Factors of Emotional Exhaustion Among Social Workers: A Systematic Review
Alfonso Chaves-Montero, Pilar Blanco Miguel, Belén Ríos-Vizcaíno
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Emotional exhaustion, a central component of burnout syndrome, affects social workers due to adverse work factors such as excessive workload, work-family conflict, and a lack of social support. The job demands-resources and conservation of resources models explain how chronic stress influences these professionals. METHODS: A systematic review was carried out using the recommendations of the PRISMA guidelines as a reference for the selection and identification of studies and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, registering the protocol in PROSPERO. Cross-sectional studies published from 1 January 2019 to 30 September 2024 were included and five main databases-Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Medline, and PsycInfo-were used to search for specific studies written in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. RESULTS: Of 361 initial records, 21 studies involving more than 24,000 social workers from diverse global settings were analyzed. The main risk factors identified were workload, work-family conflict, and work victimization. Resilience, self-care, and social support were highlighted as protective factors. Emotional exhaustion was associated with low job satisfaction, turnover intention, and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS: Emotional burnout requires specific strategies, such as work flexibility, wellness programs, and organizational support. These measures can mitigate its impact, improving work-life balance and fostering resilience.