‘They stay, I stay, they quit, I quit’: mediating role of social support on occupational risk and burnout among child protection social workers in Seychelles

Social support is crucial in mitigating occupational risks and burnout among child protection social workers (CPSWs). However, research on this phenomenon remains limited in the unique context of Seychelles. Workplace social support can significantly influence psychological well-being, resilience, and job retention, aligning with frameworks such as the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model and Maslach & Leiter’s Burnout Model (2016). This study addresses the research question: How does social support mediate occupational risk and burnout among CPSWs in Seychelles? Drawing on in-depth interviews with 11 child protection social workers, including their Legal and Child Protection Unit supervisors, the study employs thematic analysis to examine how different forms of social support – socio-emotional, instrumental, and informational – buffer against high job-related stress, burnout, and workforce attrition. Findings indicate that collegial relationships are a critical protective factor, reducing turnover and fostering emotional resilience. Additionally, social support mitigates workplace stressors such as high caseloads, exposure to trauma, and resource constraints, which are key contributors to burnout in child protection work. By highlighting the essential function of workplace social support, this study provides valuable insights for organisational policies and interventions to strengthen support networks, reduce burnout, and ensure the sustainability of the CPSW workforce.