Qualitative Research in Education
Vol. 13 No. 3 : June
The Author(s) 2024

Job Satisfaction of Child and Youth Residential Care Professionals: A European Overview

Alison Cantos-Egea1, Marta Camarero-Figuerola1, & Juana-María Tierno-García1

Abstract

This systematic review examines job satisfaction among staff working in childcare settings, with the aim of understanding the factors that influence their well-being and its impact on the quality of care provided to children. To this end, an exhaustive database search of European studies on the subject published from 2016 to 2023 was carried out. The study includes a total of 21 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The findings show that job satisfaction in childcare centers is a multidimensional and complex aspect. The results show, on the one hand, evidence based on deficits such as job stress, depersonalization, lack of institutional support, secondary traumatic stress or compassion fatigue that may be risk factors for the occurrence of job discomfort. On the other hand, the existence of protective resources such as self-care, sense of coherence, team supervision and achievement promotion enhance job well-being. It is concluded that job satisfaction in childcare centers has an impact on the well-being of employees and on the development and emotional well-being of the children in their care. Therefore, it is recommended that institutions implement support and training strategies for staff to foster a positive work environment and strengthen the quality of care provided to children.

Keywords

Job satisfaction, residential care, children at risk, job wellbeing

Literature Review

Conclusion

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