Factors related to occupational stress or burnout among music therapists

Journal/Book: Journal of Music Therapy. 1987; 24: 97-106.

Abstract: Examined the effect of self-monitoring on the number and ratio of positive comments given by 28 university music therapy students to peers, when serving as coaches for the development of social interactive skills. Ss periodically listened individually to audio tapes of the previous week's coaching session and counted their own positive, negative, and neutral comments. For Ss whose initial number of positive comments was considered low, an increase in the number of positive comments was apparent. For Ss whose initial number of positive comments was high, results of the treatment were mixed. There was a significant difference between approvals at baseline and during self-monitoring. ABSTRACT 2: The purpose of this study was to obtain demographic data from 500 randonly selected music therapists and to correlate these data with degrees of occupational stress or burnout, as measured by six subscales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Of 250 replies received, 239 (47.8%) were acceptable for data analysis. Multiple correlation and multiple regression strategies were used to analyze degree of burnout according to hours per week, number of years as an RMT, type of institution, sex, age, and years at present job. The correlations were low, indicating that for this sample, no relationship exists be- tween the predictor variables and the six Maslach scales. The total sample of the study scored in the medium range of burnout on five of the six MBI sub- scales. Many respondents indicated critical comments concerning their work as music therapists. The most prevalent criticisms focused on insufficient pay, lack of respect and support from administration, and having to perform activities outside their field.

Note: self monitoring; positive comments given to peers; music therapy students serving as coaches for development of social interactive skills

Keyword(s): Self monitoring; praise ; music therapy; therapist trainees; social skills training; adulthood

Zurück | Weiter