Ömer Faruk Cantekin, İpen İlknur Ünlü

The Relationship Between Burnout and Violence Tendencies of Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia

Introduction

The relationship between burnout and violence tendencies of caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. Investigates the link between burnout and violence tendencies in schizophrenia caregivers. Study shows increased caregiver burnout correlates with higher violence propensity, stressing psychosocial support needs.

Abstract

The importance of family has increased with the adoption of the community-based approach in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia and returning them to their social environments. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness, that affects not only the individual but also the family’s life because 10% of suffered individuals with illness need such long-term care and needed support from their families. This study aims to examine the relationship between burnout and violent tendencies among caregivers of schizophrenia patients. The study was a correlational and cross-sectional survey and followedquantitative methodology. The population consisted of 60 caregivers who took primary responsibility and spent the most time with patients diagnosed with “schizophrenia” according to DSM-V-TR diagnostic criteria, who were registered in a health center. In line with the purpose of the research, data collection tools are the Personal Information Form, Maslach Burnout Scale, and Violence Tendency Scale. The study found that there was a positive significant relationship between burnout and violence tendency among caregivers (r=0.539; p=0.000<0.05). In other words, burnout of caregivers increases violence tendency. In addition, the sub-dimensions of burnout significantly affected thepropensity to violence (F=8,657; p=0.000<0.05). The severity of illness in schizophrenia patients impairs their caregivers’ mental health. Families caring for persons with schizophrenia have difficulty tolerating them if the families have a feeling of burnout. Dissemination of psychosocial practices among caregivers of schizophrenia patients in adjunct to treatment will help families reduce their level of burnout and depression.

Review

This study investigates a critically important and often overlooked aspect of mental health care: the relationship between burnout and violence tendencies among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. Given the global shift towards community-based care for individuals with schizophrenia, the well-being of family caregivers has become paramount. The authors clearly delineate their aim to explore this relationship using a correlational and quantitative approach, surveying 60 primary caregivers. A key strength lies in its explicit use of established instruments, the Maslach Burnout Scale and a Violence Tendency Scale. The central finding of a significant positive correlation (r=0.539; p<0.05) between caregiver burnout and violence tendency is compelling, suggesting that increased burnout in caregivers is associated with a higher propensity for violence. This finding sheds light on the severe emotional and psychological burden experienced by these caregivers and its potential ramifications. While the study addresses a highly relevant issue and employs a clear quantitative methodology, certain aspects warrant consideration. The sample size of 60 caregivers, though sufficient for detecting a significant correlation in this instance, is relatively small and may limit the generalizability of the findings to the broader population of schizophrenia caregivers. Furthermore, the cross-sectional design, while appropriate for identifying correlations, inherently precludes the establishment of a causal link between burnout and violence tendency. The abstract frames the conclusion as "burnout of caregivers increases violence tendency," which, while a strong inference, cannot be definitively proven without a longitudinal study. Additionally, details regarding the "Violence Tendency Scale" are brief; further information on its specific domains (e.g., verbal, physical, emotional violence) and psychometric properties would enhance the clarity and interpretability of the findings. Exploring which specific sub-dimensions of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, reduced personal accomplishment) most strongly predict violence propensity would also offer richer insights beyond the aggregate F-statistic. Despite these methodological considerations, the study makes a valuable contribution by highlighting the profound impact of caregiving burden on the mental health of individuals supporting patients with schizophrenia and the potential for this burden to manifest as violent tendencies. The finding strongly underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support systems for caregivers. The authors' recommendation for the dissemination of psychosocial practices as an adjunct to treatment is highly pertinent and offers a crucial avenue for intervention to reduce caregiver burnout and, consequently, the risk of violence. Future research could build upon this foundation by employing larger, more diverse samples, utilizing longitudinal designs to explore causality, and conducting qualitative studies to delve deeper into the lived experiences and mechanisms linking burnout to violent tendencies. Ultimately, this research provides a critical impetus for healthcare systems to prioritize and integrate caregiver mental health support into routine schizophrenia care.

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