Psychological health and occupational therapists: Burnout, engagement and work addiction

Abstract

Background: Burnout, work engagement and work addiction are all considered components of psychological health in the workplace. Past research indicates that healthcare providers face significant challenges to their psychological wellbeing in the workplace.

Objective: This study sought to determine the extent of these components in a sample of Canadian occupational therapists.

Methods: An anonymous electronic survey including standardized measures of burnout, work engagement and work addiction.

Results: Participants' scores at times differed from previous research on burnout in the occupational therapy profession in that they demonstrated higher depersonalization scores and lower emotional exhaustion scores. Relationships emerged among a number of elements within the various measures, and participants' age and years of experience. Scores indicating a risk of burnout and work addiction clustered at certain times across participants' years of experience, and scores for vigour were low in comparison to an international study of healthcare workers. However, scores in other elements were high (for example, dedication and personal accomplishment), which theorists propose may serve a protective role in mitigating high scores in negative elements.

Conclusions: Findings demonstrate a risk for diminished work-related psychological health and point to key areas for further investigation around which targeted interventions could be organized for members of the occupational therapy profession.

Keywords: Psychological wellbeing; mental health; occupational health and safety; workplace health.