Citation

Nevill RE, Havercamp SM. J. Intellect. Disabil. Res. 2019; 63(5): 441-453.

Affiliation

Nisonger Center and Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/jir.12594

PMID

30687982

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Considering the growing body of studies investigating the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on caregivers supporting people with developmental disabilities, the current study aimed to explore the role that the cognitive processes of mindfulness, coping style and resilience played in predicting caregiver retention and burnout among a sample of direct support professionals working with aggressive adults with developmental disabilities.

METHODS: Ninety-seven direct support professionals were surveyed to determine level of mindfulness, coping styles, resilience and burnout and were interviewed 3 months later to determine if they were still working with the aggressive adult.

RESULTS: Mindfulness skills of describing non-judgmentally and observing one's environment, as well as problem-focused coping, emerged as protective factors against burnout, while avoidance-focused and maladaptive coping emerged as risk factors. Mindful openness acted as the only predictor of job retention.

CONCLUSIONS: These results support that paid caregivers should receive trainings in mindfulness and positive coping mechanisms as part of their job trainings, to promote positive outcomes for both themselves and the people they support.

© 2019 MENCAP and International Association of the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Language: en

Keywords

direct support; turnover