Personal value preferences and burnout of social workers

Summary: The present study examines the connection between the personal value preferences of social workers and their burnout. A total of 512 Israeli social workers participated in the study. Findings: Socio-demographic characteristics explained only a small proportion of the variance in the social workers' burnout; however, years of experience in social work, education, and salary were significant predictors of the social workers' burnout. Personal value preferences explained a substantial proportion of the variance in the social workers' burnout beyond the effect of the socio-demographic variables. A higher preference for the benevolence, universalism, and achievement values and a lower preference for the power and face values were associated with less burnout. Applications: The results obtained are discussed in light of the value congruence paradigm. The study's implications for the training and practice of social workers are discussed.