Impact of Job Resources and Job Demands on Burnout among Physical Therapy Providers

Rupal M. Patel and John Bartholomew
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Rupal M. Patel: Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78757, USA
John Bartholomew: Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78757, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 23, 1-17

Abstract: Job burnout is a threat for physical therapists. Little research has been conducted to identify possible protective factors against burnout in this population. Accordingly, we utilized the job demands-resources (JD-R) model and self-determination theory to guide our examination of basic psychological needs as factors to predict burnout in physical therapists. One hundred and two licensed physical therapists completed surveys. Higher levels of autonomy, competence and relatedness predicted burnout, even after accounting for job demands. Job resources, such as the basic psychological needs outlined by the self-determination theory, along with perceived respect, buffer the negative effects of secondary trauma on burnout. The job resource of perceived respect also buffers the negative effects of the physical demands of the job on burnout. These findings suggest that while job demands can be difficult to change, increasing the fulfillment of job resources can help ameliorate burnout in physical therapists. The present findings highlight the need for workplace interventions which cultivate the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness to address burnout among physical therapists.

Keywords: occupational health; burnout; physiotherapist; physical therapist; self-determination theory; job resources–demands (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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