The Well-Being of Alcohol and Other Drug Counsellors in Australia: Strengths, Risks, and Implications

BEST, David, SAVIC, Michael and DALEY, Peter (2016). The Well-Being of Alcohol and Other Drug Counsellors in Australia: Strengths, Risks, and Implications. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 34 (2), 223-232.

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Abstract

Working with alcohol and other drug (AOD) using populations in treatment services is a demanding job that has been associated with a susceptibility to stress and burnout in the workforce. The current study used an online survey methodology in Victoria, Australia, to examine staff well-being and burnout in a cohort of 228 workers in AOD specialist services in Victoria, 151 of whom hold client caseloads. Although there was a strong negative association between stress and burnout, and inverse associations with work satisfaction and well-being, the focus of the current analysis was what predicted positive well-being in workers. This was associated with four factors—lower levels of emotional exhaustion and cognitive weariness (both aspects of burnout), higher levels of opportunities for professional growth, and a greater support network in the worker’s own life with which to discuss things. Thus, positive well-being is not only linked to lower burnout, and to greater perceived development opportunities, but also to the support systems workers have access to.

Item Type:	Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Law Research Group
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1080/07347324.2016.1148514
Page Range:	223-232
Depositing User:	Jill Hazard
Date Deposited:	05 Aug 2016 10:35
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2021 00:33
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/13125

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