The relationship between trust in work colleagues, impact of boundary violations and burnout among staff within a forensic psychiatric service

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between trust and burnout among mental health professionals working within a forensic psychiatric setting. The association between these factors and boundary violations was also examined. Design/methodology/approach – Mental health professionals (n=117) completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory and a measure of their trust in co-workers. A series of 12 vignettes was also designed to assess the frequency and impact of boundary violations by clients. Findings – Propensity to trust was found to be predictive of personal accomplishment. A higher propensity to trust others was associated with lower levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation. It was also associated with greater cooperative behaviour. Higher frequency of boundary violations reported by professionals was associated with lower levels of perceived trust and cooperative behaviours among colleagues, and increased depersonalisation. In addition, professionals reporting more of a perceived impact of boundary violations, reported higher emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation. The results also indicate that younger professionals reported higher levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation, whereas older professionals were more positive regarding their competence and sense of accomplishment. Research limitations/implications – The results are discussed in terms of the development of trust within teams as an effective strategy to reduce the development of burnout. Implications are made for the importance of reflective practice and clinical supervision in developing positive working relationships with clients, and providing a safe environment to discuss professional conflict. The importance of supporting younger professionals has also been highlighted. Originality/value – This is the first research paper to explore the relationship between trust within teams and the development of burnout within forensic psychiatric services.