The Correlation Between Work Stress, Occupational Burnout and Health Outcomes in Psychiatric Healthcare Professionals: The Protective Role of Social Support

Abstract

Background The mental health of psychiatric healthcare professionals has become a critical area of research due to the increasing demands and stressors inherent in their work environment. This study aims to explore the relationships between work stress, occupational burnout, social support, and the physical and mental health of psychiatric healthcare professionals. The study particularly focuses on the moderating role of social support in these relationships, addressing gaps in existing literature that have not systematically examined this interaction. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 244 psychiatric healthcare professionals at a teaching hospital in Eastern Taiwan. The study utilized validated instruments, including the Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Social Support Scale, and the SF-12 Health Survey, to measure work stress, burnout, social support, and health outcomes. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical regression analyses were employed to assess the relationships among these variables and the moderating effects of social support. Results The findings revealed significant positive correlations between work stress and occupational burnout (r = .42, p < 0.001) and negative correlations with physical and mental health (r = − .23, p < 0.001). Occupational burnout was identified as a significant predictor of poor health outcomes (β = -0.533, p < 0.001). Additionally, higher levels of social support were associated with better health outcomes (r = .18, p < 0.01), although its moderating effect on the relationship between stress and health was not significant. Conclusion This study highlights the substantial impact of work stress and occupational burnout on the health of psychiatric healthcare professionals, with social support playing a crucial role in mitigating these effects. The results underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance social support systems and address the unique challenges faced by healthcare professionals, particularly those working night shifts, to improve their overall well-being.