Date of Conferral

1-1-2021

Degree

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.)

School

Health Services

Advisor

Mary A. Garbowski, Jim D. Melancon

Abstract

Congregate care organizations employ workers across various environments from shelters, group homes, long-term care homes, and correctional facilities. Congregate care workers in the developmental services sector face numerous risks that affect their quality of life due to workplace stress from daily interactions with individuals with intellectual disabilities and organizational demands. Workers’ perception of the support received from their organization may further impact their quality of life. The purpose of this quantitative study, guided by organizational support theory, was to examine the relationship among the independent variables of workplace psychosocial factors (defined as vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, mental stress, or burnout), perceived organizational support, and the dependent variable of congregate workers’ quality of life. A census sampling approach was used to select a sample of the workforce (N = 1,400), and the Copenhagen Psychological Questionnaire and the Professional Quality of Life Scale were used to collect data. Analysis of covariance showed that there was no statistically significant interaction between workplace psychosocial factors, support from supervisors, and congregate care workers’ quality of life (p = .34). A linear regression showed that the type of workplace psychosocial factor and employment status of employees did predict utilization of organizational wellness interventions (p < .001). Results from this study contribute to the literature on congregate workers’ quality of life. The development of wellness strategies should focus on improving supports and workers' use of interventions. The contribution to positive social change from this study includes fostering proactive policies and human resources practices.

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