Understanding pandemic resilience: a mixed-methods exploration of burdens, resources, and determinants of good or poor well-being among Austrian psychotherapists

Abstract

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the mental health burden on the general population, resulting in increased demands on mental healthcare professionals, including psychotherapists. This cross-sectional study assessed the challenges and resources encountered by 513 psychotherapists based on an online survey conducted between April and May 2022.MethodsQualitative methods content analysis of written reports was employed to investigate the emerging challenges and sources of support during the pandemic. A comparative analysis of burdens, resources, sociodemographic factors and daily physical activity was conducted to discern patterns of good and poor well-being.ResultsThe predominant burden identified was mental health-related issues, followed by global crises and government-imposed restrictions to mitigate virus transmission. Essential resources encompassed social connections, mindfulness, work satisfaction, and internal processes. Notably, psychotherapists demonstrating good well-being were older, more physically active, had a lower proportion of females, were employed in private practices rather than in institutionalized settings, had more years of professional experience and treated more patients weekly than their counterparts with poor well-being. Furthermore, they exhibited greater optimism, health focus, and satisfaction with their coping methods.DiscussionThese findings can help develop support systems, policies, and educational programs to better support mental health professionals during global crises and offer strategies for individual practitioners to maintain their well-being.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the work of clinical psychologists in Austria: results of a mixed-methods study

“…Other research findings support the hypothesis that the institutional setting was also perceived as more stressful than private practice by other mental health professionals during the pandemic. Schaffler et al’s study of psychotherapists ( Schaffler et al, 2023 ) showed that those working in an institutional setting reported poorer well-being.…”

“…For example, treatment appointments had to be rescheduled, and information on current measures had to be obtained. In addition, working conditions became more tense with (Schaffler et al, 2023) showed that those working in an institutional setting reported poorer well-being.…”

Burdens and resources of Austrian clinical psychologists: results of a qualitative study two years into the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Several clinical psychologists were also registered as psychotherapists in the list of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer protection. As psychotherapists were also invited to participate in a survey on the same topic (results published in our companion papers [ 31 , 38 ]), the current analyses encompassed only clinical psychologists without additional license as a psychotherapist (≈ 3000 eligible participants).…”