Does the lone wolf get burnout? : A positive psychology intervention in Dutch nursing homes, examining positive relations and burnout

Positive psychology aims to enhance well-being of individuals, often through interventions in different settings. This study aims to answer the question if there is a relationship between positive relations and burnout and if a positive psychology intervention was effective in reducing burnout and improving positive relations. Due to the Job Demand-Resources Model, burnout can be reduced by increasing job resources as positive relations. A negative correlation of burnout with positive relations was hypothesized, as well as a negative effect of the intervention on burnout and a positive effect on positive relations. Data was derived from 144 employees of Dutch nursing homes who learned about positive psychology or formed the control group and filled in questionnaires before and after. An online version of the book “This is your life” was used. Weak to moderate negative correlations between positive relations and burnout were found. The findings plead for the fitness of the job demands-resources model of burnout for this study. The intervention was effective in improving positive relations but not in reducing burnout. Positive psychology shows potential in improving the quality of life, which calls for further research.