Investigating the Relationship Between Self-Confidence and Burnout for Professionals Supporting Adults with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities Engaging in Challenging Behaviour

Abstract

Professionals supporting adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities who engage in challenging behaviour (CB) are at increased risk for burnout, which contributes to the workforce crisis in the developmental services sector. Research on factors influencing burnout for professionals in this field comprises a growing body of literature, but the relationship between self- confidence and burnout remains unclear. This convergent mixed methods study aimed to explore support professionals’ conceptualization of self-confidence and potential factors associated with it and quantify the relationship between self-confidence and burnout. An online survey containing the Maslach Burnout Inventory and a self-confidence instrument, along with other closed- and open-ended questions, was distributed to 156 types of direct support professionals and 46 leaders in developmental services across Ontario, Canada (N=202). A preliminary model of self- confidence was constructed that contains several person-related, social, knowledge, and situational components. Length of time in the field, level of support from others, and types of CB exposed to were acknowledged factors reported to influence self-confidence. Furthermore, increased self- confidence significantly predicted lower burnout scores characterized by decreased emotional exhaustion, R2 = .048, F(1, 146) = 7.29, p = .008, decreased depersonalization, R2 = .026, F(1, 146) = 3.92, p = .049, and increased personal accomplishment, R2 = .097, F(1, 146) = 15.68, p < .001. Results may increase understanding of burnout and reduce burnout risk, thus enhancing the quality of supports provided. Additionally, the model of self-confidence may inform pertinent staff training targets for organizations in this field.