The Relationship Between Rehabilitation Therapists’ Attitudes Towards Individuals With Disabilities and Job Burnout: An Empirical Investigation

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This research aims to explore the interplay between rehabilitation therapists’ attitudes toward people with disabilities and their job burnout. Methods: The study population included all rehabilitation therapists in Tehran Province, Iran, in 2022, working in both public and private sectors. A sample of 261 therapists was selected using a quota sampling technique. The disability attitude questionnaire was employed to gauge attitudes towards individuals with disabilities, while therapists’ job burnout was evaluated using the Maslach burnout inventory. The therapists were approached through both in-person and online visits. Hypotheses were tested using correlation coefficients, linear regression, and analysis of variance (ANOVA), and data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 26. Results: The results revealed a significant negative relationship between job burnout and its dimensions (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment) with attitudes towards individuals with disabilities. Additionally, a negative and significant relationship was observed between job burnout and the variables of age, and work experience, while a positive and significant relationship was found with the variable of weekly working hours. Furthermore, a positive and significant relationship was observed between attitudes and the variables of age and work experience, while a negative and significant association was detected with weekly working hours. Occupational therapists exhibited more favorable attitudes compared to other rehabilitation groups. Physiotherapists displayed the highest burnout levels among the various rehabilitation disciplines. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of integrating strategies to enhance rehabilitation therapists’ attitudes and alleviate burnout into the strategic planning initiatives of the Ministry of Health. Furthermore, efforts to reduce the work hours of rehabilitation therapists should be prioritized.