Date of Conferral

3-12-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Dr. Kristin Dailey

Abstract

Child protection workers work in a stressful and demanding occupation, subject to high staff turnover and inexperienced staff. This situation has created problems for child protection workers in doing their jobs effectively—for example, handling their daily tasks and caseload—leading to potential burnout and work dissatisfaction. Existing literature has explained how burnout begins to develop as a response to chronic exposure to job-related stressors, to a point of emotional exhaustion and reduced personal accomplishment. Researchers have found that work-related conditions have contributed to the development of burnout, especially when attempting to define how one could be overworked and how much labor can relate to one's emotional state. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore child protection workers’ perceptions of burnout and work dissatisfaction, determining whether such factors affect their ability to properly carry out their daily duties of helping children and families, in addition to helping themselves through the lens of the job demands-resources theory. Results of this study show themes and similarities between participants indicating a lack of necessities and precautions that would benefit the well-being of child protection workers. The study has implications for social change, in that it may inform stakeholders and policymakers of the current livelihood of child protection workers, ensuring that resources are provided that encourage a healthier work environment and provide advocacy for improved mental health.

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