70 | Chapter 4 Figure 1. The Job Demands-Resources model (JD-R model)15 This heuristic model was developed to understand work-related wellbeing (both burnout and work engagement) by studying the influence of specific job characteristics (job demands, resources) and personal characteristics (personal resources) on wellbeing, and ultimately on performance outcomes.5,13 The JD-R model is based on the assumption that job characteristics differ for various occupations.16 Job demands are aspects of the job requiring effort and are associated with mental or physical costs.13 Job resources help professionals to achieve job goals or to reduce job demands.13 Personal resources are defined as the psychological characteristics or aspects of the self that are generally associated with resiliency and that refer to the ability to control and impact one’s environment.17 Personal resources contribute positively to wellbeing. They can also initiate an upward spiral of resources that reinforce each other, resulting in higher work engagement.18 Factors known to be associated with midwives’ burnout symptoms are a low maturity level, young age, little work experience and being single.4 Midwives are also at risk for burnout when they feel unsupported, undervalued or not been able to work according to the midwifery philosophy.7 According to Wright et al., stress is related to increased exhaustion and may be higher among midwives in the community as compared to midwives in hospital settings.19 Protective factors against burnout are: enjoying working with pregnant women, having supportive relationships with colleagues and working with like-minded midwives.10 Preventing factors for burnout, are building resilience, positive coping strategies,20 meditation, mindfulness, communication skills training and self-care efforts,21 and a positive work environment and flexible working hours .20
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