the relationship between nurse’s job perception and burnout syndrome *
[Background] It is not yet known what work factors create emotional stress among hospital nurses. This study examined how job perception and individual psychological background were related to mental health and burnout among hospital nurses. [Methodology] Questionnaires were mailed in october 1994 to 1,190 nurses who work in hospitals. Surveys were completed anonymously. Information sought included sex, age, workplaces, work shift, job perception (23items), Maslack Burnout Inventory, individual psychological background and mental health status. [Results] The 1,002valid responses (84.2％) were analyzed. A correlation was found among work pressure, work alienation, and emotinal exhaustion. Adaptability to the work and personal accomplishment increased with age. Few experienced unrses suffer from burnout. Burnout scores were higher in large institution where nurses younger than 24 years old accounted for more than 30％ of the nursing staff. Data showed that the mentally unhealthy group held the negative job perceptions. Egogram , which measures psychological background, showed that the unhealthy group scored lower in nursing aptitude. [Conclusions] These data indicates that burnout decreases and job satisfaction increases with age and experience . The burnout rate is very high among nurses younger than 24 years , who work in large institution . Nurses' alienation and pressure of work invited the first stage of burnout. Good mental health raises job satisfaction and nursing aptitude and averts burnout. (Accepted on October 28, 1997) Kawasaki Igakkaishi 23(3) : 143-154, 1997
