Attitudes toward death and burnout syndrome in geriatrics and gerontology healthcare personnel

Abstract

Introduction: Geriatric and gerontology healthcare workers are associated with a series of psychosocial risks such as death, bereavement and illness, and this implies a significant emotional and work overload, which can lead to negative attitudes toward death. Objective: The aims of this study were to assess attitudes toward death, the level of burnout and the relationship between geriatrics and gerontology professionals. Method: A correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted, in which the 42 participants in the sample completed an online questionnaire including the Revised Profile of Attitudes to Death (PAM-R) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS). Results: The results obtained show that the predominant attitude toward death in the sample is that of neutral acceptance, and with regard to burnout syndrome, moderate average levels are found in the dimensions of emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment, but a low level of depersonalisation. Conclusion: Healthcare workers with attitudes of greater fear of death or acceptance of escape tend to experience higher levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation, as do those with an attitude of death avoidance, who also have lower personal fulfillment.