An exploratory analysis of racial factors in staff burnout among assertive community treatment workers.

We examined racial differences in burnout among case managers working with people with severe mental illness, using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Compared to Caucasians, African Americans reported significantly less Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization, but did not differ on levels of Personal Accomplishment. These differences could not be explained by geographic location or perceptions of the work environment; however, age accounted for group differences in Depersonalization. Racial incongruence with caseload appeared to be one factor in burnout, particularly for Emotional Exhaustion. Race of both staff and clients may be important to consider in understanding staff burnout.