Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/54451
Title: “A Love–Hate Relationship with What I Do”: Protecting the Mental Health of Animal Care Workers
Contributor(s): Paul, Nicola K  (author)orcid ; Cosh, Suzanne M  (author)orcid ; Lykins, Amy D  (author)orcid 
Publication Date: 2023
Early Online Version: 2023-01-27
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.1080/08927936.2023.2166712
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/54451
Abstract: 

Mental ill-health associated with animal care work, coupled with a current shortage of animal care workers (ACWs), highlights the need to support this population's wellbeing. Guided by the Job Demands-Resources model of burnout and the principles of positive occupational health psychology, we aimed to explore mental ill-health in ACWs and identify potential risks and protective factors for their wellbeing. ACWs (n = 217) completed an anonymous online questionnaire with measures of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, psychological distress, burnout, grief, social support, organizational support, and empathy for animals. We also asked an open question about what participants liked about their work. Our sample had a higher incidence of mental ill-health than the Australian general population. Multiple regression analyses suggested grief may be a job demand for ACWs, significantly accounting for 2.8-4.3% of the variance in burnout. Likewise, organizational support may be a job resource for ACWs, significantly accounting for 17.3-25.5% of the variance in burnout. Finally, qualitative content analysis indicated that ACWs enjoyed professional accomplishments, interpersonal interactions, and contact with animals as part of their work. We discuss our results and how they may be used to inform the implementation of workplace changes that support ACWs' wellbeing.

Publication Type: Journal Article
Source of Publication: Anthrozoos, 36(3), p. 489-508
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Inc
Place of Publication: United States of America
ISSN: 1753-0377
0892-7936
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 520104 Industrial and organisational psychology (incl. human factors)
520302 Clinical psychology
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: 200409 Mental health
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal
Appears in Collections:Journal Article
School of Psychology

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