The relation between nurses' personality features and their burnout levels

This definitive study was held to determine the relation between the nurses' sociotropic-autonomic personality features and burnout levels.We used nurses identifier information form, Sociotropy-Autonomy Scale with Şahin and assoc.'s validity and reliability study (1993) and Maslach Bornout Scale with Ergin's validity and reliability study (1992) for data collection. Number, percent, average and Pearson Correlation Analysis were used for data analysis.The most stressful 3 factors at work for nurses are; work load, conflict with patients' family and with team members. There was a very weak positive correlation between sociotropic-autonomic personality features and average emotional exhaustion subscale point. There wasn't a relation between depersonalization subscale average point of burnout and sociotropy average point. There was a very weak positive relation between average depersonalization point and average autonomy point and the relation was statistically significant. However there wasn't a relation between personal accomplishment subscale average point and sociotropy average point. There was a very weak positive relation between average personal accomplishment point and average autonomy point and the relation was statistically significant.As a result it was recommended to form training programs and curriculum contents which develop sociotropic and autonomic personal features collectively, and to develop training programs increasing awareness about sociotropy and autonomy. These programs will help to develop a strategy to prevent and cope with burnout.Key words: Burnout, sociotropy, autonomy, personality feature, nursing.