Psychoemotional state during the formation of emotional burnout syndrome in middle-grade medical staff

Introduction. The study of the specifics of the emotional burnout (EB) manifestation, the factors contributing to its occurrence in people of different occupations, is very relevant. However, the influence of personality factors on EB remains insufficiently resolved.

The purpose of the study is to identify the relationship between anxiety, depression levels, and EB in health care workers.

Materials and methods. An online study of the EB components, anxiety, and depression in health care occupations was carried out using V.V. Boyko’s questionnaire, Spielberger-Khanin and Zung scales. The research results are displayed as median, upper and lower quartiles, intensive and extensive indicators. The assessment of the relationship between variables was performed with the calculation of the Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results. The formation of EB phases is characterized for the examined group: “Tension” — in 35.7 per 100 examined, “Resistance” — in 53.6 per 100 examined, “Exhaustion” — in 14.3 per 100 examined. The dominant symptoms are experience of traumatic circumstances (50.0%), reduction of occupational responsibilities (60.7%), emotional and moral disorientation (46.4%), expansion of the sphere of saving emotions (42.9%), and depersonalization (46.4%). Persons in whom any formed EB phase have a high level of trait and state anxiety, and depression. Among those surveyed with an unformed EB phase, the proportion of highly anxious individuals is significantly lower, and there are no signs of depression. Correlation analysis of the relationship revealed statistically significant relationships between the symptoms caused the formation of a particular EB phase and depression, anxiety.

Limitations. The study is one-stage, performed with the participation of one professional group.

Conclusion. A significant share of the health care occupations experience EB symptoms, and there is a reciprocal relationship between the EB severity and anxiety, and depression. In the majority of examined respondents, EB syndrome is in a dynamic development state. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed, in which a special place should be given to systematic clinical observation.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study was performed in accordance with ethical standards and approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the East-Siberian Institute of Medical and Ecological Research (conclusion No. 3 dated February 16, 2021).

Contribution:
Kuleshova M.V. — concept and design of the study, collection and processing of material, statistical processing, writing text, responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article;
Pankov V.A. — concept and design of the study, collection of material, editing, approval of the final version of the article, responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgment. The work was performed within the funds allocated for the implementation of the State task for the East-Siberian Institute of Medical and Ecological Research.

Received: May 22, 2023 / Accepted: August 15, 2023 / Published: October 9, 2023