Search Results (129)

Objective: This study seeks to synthesize the experiences, challenges, and core competency requirements of nurse managers caring for patients with emerging infectious diseases to inform targeted training and strengthen emergency response systems. Background: The frequent emergence of emerging infectious diseases has placed unprecedented strain on global public health systems, with nurse managers playing a pivotal role in coordinating and sustaining outbreak responses. Methods: A literature search was conducted across PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, and other databases. Qualitative studies were screened and assessed using the JBI appraisal tool. Thirteen studies were included and meta-synthesized. Thematic synthesis was used to synthesize the findings. Results: Four main themes emerged: multidimensional experiences of nurse managers, dual pressures from resource shortages and environmental constraints, core competency requirements, and the need for organizational and system support. Discussion: Outbreaks intensified physical and mental strain, increased burnout and turnover, yet also fostered professional growth. Systemic support, flexible staffing, digital training, and inclusive governance are needed to ensure well-being, care resilience, and leadership retention. Conclusion: This study outlines challenges and competencies of nurse managers during health crises, underscoring the need for comprehensive support to guide specialized training and improve public health preparedness. Full article

In the healthcare sector, burnout has become a critical concern due to the combination of high job demands and sustained emotional strain. Burnout is closely linked to systemic and organizational pressures, and psychosocial risks are widely recognized as central determinants of burnout. Within this multidimensional framework, Work Values are understood as an integral component of psychosocial risks, shaping how professionals interpret and respond to these pressures. The present study aims to analyze whether emotional intelligence moderates the relationship between psychosocial risk factors, namely work values conflict and burnout, among healthcare professionals. A cross-sectional online survey, based on a snowball sample with 205 healthcare professionals, was performed. Measurement instruments included the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT-23), used to assess burnout dimensions; the Health and Work Survey (ERPS_INSAT), used to evaluate psychosocial risk factors; and the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS-P), used to assess emotional intelligence. A moderation analysis using the PROCESS macro (model 1) was conducted to examine whether emotional intelligence moderates the relationship between psychosocial risk, work values factor, and burnout among healthcare professionals. The results show that the psychosocial risk–work values dimension was a significant positive associated factor of burnout (total scale: B = 0.27, p < 0.001; Exhaustion: B = 0.33, p < 0.001; Mental distance: B = 0.32, p < 0.001; Cognitive Impairment: B = 0.14, p < 0.001; Emotional Impairment: B = 0.30, p < 0.001), indicating that higher perceived risk was associated with higher burnout symptoms. Emotional intelligence did not significantly predict burnout on its own (total scale: B = 0.07, p > 0.05; Exhaustion: B = 0.09, p > 0.05; Mental Distance: B = 0.11, p > 0.05; Cognitive Impairment: B = 0.11, p > 0.05; Emotional Impairment: B = −0.04, p > 0.05). The interaction term (psychosocial risk = work values × emotional intelligence) was not significant, suggesting that no significant moderating effect was detected in this sample for emotional intelligence in the relationship between work values and burnout. These findings highlight the central role of psychosocial risk factors in the development of burnout among healthcare professionals, and emotional intelligence does not seem to have a significant moderating effect against burnout in this study. Such findings highlight the crucial role that organizational-level interventions at the workplace play in resolving conflicts between work values and lower burnout and improved worker wellbeing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Depression and burnout are common among medical students, leading to serious academic and professional consequences. LGBTQ+ students are especially vulnerable to mental health issues. This study aims to help understand the associations between sexual orientation and distress levels among Portuguese medical students. Methods: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted with participants from Portuguese medical schools. Data collection took place between 2022 and 2025 through electronic questionnaires. Assessment tools included the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Beck Depression Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory Student Survey. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 (95% confidence interval). Group comparisons by sexual orientation were conducted using chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and independent samples t-tests. Predictors of depression and state anxiety were assessed using multiple linear regression. Results: The sample included 1668 (83.2%) heterosexual students and 336 (16.8%) LGBTQ+ students. The rates of depression and anxiety were 43.2% and 25.7%, respectively. LGBTQ+ students reported more difficulties in personal, academic, social, and financial areas and showed higher levels of distress than heterosexual students. Key factors linked to distress included burnout, social support, and grade satisfaction. Additionally, burnout, low-grade satisfaction, and substance abuse were associated with anxiety and depression levels differently depending on sexual orientation. Conclusions: This study’s findings confirm higher distress levels among the LGBTQ+ group compared to the heterosexual group, helping us identify students who are more vulnerable to developing mental illness and prompting us to reconsider which aspects of medical training and culture contribute to this distress. Full article

Background/Objectives: Helplines are an important component of mental health support systems; however, limited research has examined burnout among helpline workers. This exploratory pilot study investigated the relationships between job demands, job and personal resources, and burnout within the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) framework. Methods: A cross-sectional online study was conducted among 73 helpline workers. Burnout was assessed using the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT). Job demands were categorized as topic-related, client-related, and service-related. Data were analysed using Spearman correlations and hierarchical regression analyses. Results: Job demands were positively associated with burnout (r_s = 0.41, p < 0.001), while job resources were negatively associated with burnout (r_s = −0.30, p < 0.01). Regression analyses showed that job demands and resources explained 50% of the variance in overall burnout (R² = 0.50, p < 0.001). Service-related demands emerged as the strongest predictor of burnout (β = 0.70, p < 0.001) and consistently predicted exhaustion (β = 0.60, p < 0.001), mental distance (β = 0.48, p < 0.001), cognitive impairment (β = 0.52, p < 0.001), and emotional impairment (β = 0.61, p < 0.001). Organizational resources were negatively associated with mental distance (β = −0.31, p < 0.01), whereas topic-related demands were not significant predictors. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of differentiating types of job demands in understanding burnout among helpline workers. Service-related demands appeared to be more strongly associated with burnout than topic- or client-related demands, suggesting that structural aspects of helpline work may be particularly relevant for worker well-being. Full article

The main aim of this study was to investigate the association between areas of worklife and work engagement in the development of burnout syndrome among self-employed and institutionally employed psychologists. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, three scales validated for the Brazilian population were applied: the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT), the Areas of Worklife Survey (AWS), and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). A total of 180 psychology professionals participated, with a predominance of women participants (88.3%); the majority were aged between 24 and 29 years. The hypothesized relationships among variables were tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results revealed a strong negative correlation between BAT domains and dimensions assessed by the UWES, confirming the inverse association between engagement and burnout. A positive association between areas of worklife and engagement was also confirmed. However, no negative association between areas of worklife and burnout was found, and no evidence supported a mediating role of these areas in the relationship between engagement and burnout. Although areas of worklife independently influenced both engagement and burnout, their mediating role in this relationship was not supported by the data. These findings point to the complexity of the interactions among these variables and indicate relevant directions for future research. Full article

Background: Operating room nurses are exposed to high levels of occupational stress, making them particularly vulnerable to burnout. Psychological resources such as self-esteem may play a protective role; however, evidence in perioperative settings remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between self-esteem and burnout among operating room nurses. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 261 operating room nurses working in public healthcare institutions in Vilnius, Lithuania. Self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and burnout was assessed using the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT-23). Data were analyzed using non-parametric tests, Spearman’s correlation, hierarchical regression analysis, and Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Results: A statistically significant negative association was found between self-esteem and burnout (p < 0.001). Higher self-esteem was associated with lower levels of exhaustion (r = −0.326), emotional distress (r = −0.357), cognitive impairment (r = −0.398), and psychological disengagement (r = −0.331). The strongest associations were observed for secondary symptoms (r = −0.420) and overall burnout (r = −0.410). In regression analysis, self-esteem remained a significant predictor of burnout (β = −0.438, p < 0.001), explaining a substantial proportion of variance. Conclusions: Self-esteem is a significant protective factor against burnout among operating room nurses. Interventions aimed at strengthening psychological resources may contribute to reducing burnout in high-intensity clinical environments. Full article

Research on burnout has been a consistent and increasingly popular topic since the 1970s when it was first defined. The focus of publications regarding burnout spans studies of various occupations, countries, age groups, social groups, and effects. A recent development is the documenting of brain changes associated with burnout. This review aims to investigate the peer-reviewed publications on this topic published in 2025. Although not a scoping review because it is limited to one year and peer-reviewed reports, this study follows the standardized PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews as the methodology. The search was of five relevant databases: Google Scholar, OVID, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Brain changes AND burnout AND 2025 are the keywords searched. The keywords were limited to these to identify those articles where researchers themselves connected a relationship between brain changes and burnout during 2025. The results were several perspectives that investigated burnout, and the brain changes were various. The findings differ depending on the measurement tools used for burnout assessment, as discussed. The purpose of conducting the review is to aid psychiatrists in identifying the most recent research to enhance patient treatment options by considering current information on this developing topic. Full article

Objective: The aim of the study was to devise and validate a new questionnaire—Psycho-Vox—for diagnosis of muscle tension dysphonia and develop normative data for Polish-speaking adults. The tool was designed to measure 10 key psychological and social dimensions that have a bearing on functional voice disorders (FVDs), namely perseverance, coping with stress style (task-oriented or avoiding-oriented), mental well-being, resilience, burnout, family and social relationships, and tendency to project a positive self-image, tendency to exaggerate symptoms. Methods: The validation study involved 164 participants (46.3% were patients with muscle tension dysphonia and 53.7% were in good health; 92.7% were women). Their ages ranged from 18 to 76 years (M = 40.2; SD = 13.1). The Psycho-Vox questionnaire comprised 80 items, which participants rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Construct validity was tested using factor analysis with principal component rotation and confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was determined using Cronbach’s α, and linguistic comprehension was assessed using the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES, Polish version) and the Jasnopis indicator. Sten norms were developed for the entire sample. Results: Factor analysis confirmed the 10-factor structure of the questionnaire, consistent with theoretical assumptions (KMO = 0.734; χ²(3160) = 8643.41; p < 0.001), with 89.2% classification agreement. Cronbach’s α for individual scales ranged from 0.705 to 0.837, confirming high internal reliability. The results of the FRES and Jasnopis tests indicate that the tool is understandable to adults with secondary or higher education. Significant differences were found between the patient group and the control group in terms of family relationships (p < 0.001), social capital (p = 0.003), mental well-being (p = 0.007), tendency to project a positive self-image (p = 0.004), and tendency to exaggerate symptoms (p = 0.005). A logistic regression model (χ²(10) = 62.27; p < 0.001; Hosmer–Lemeshow χ²(8) = 5.00; p = 0.757) showed that belonging to the patient group was positively associated with higher scores on the scales of family relationships, mental resilience, mental well-being, tendency to project a positive self-image, and symptom exaggeration, while negatively associated with perseverance and task-oriented coping with stress. The classification accuracy of the model was 73.2%. Sten norms were developed for all diagnostic scales. Conclusions: The Psycho-Vox questionnaire is characterised by good construct validity, high reliability, and practical clinical usefulness. The tool can be used in the differential diagnosis of muscle tension dysphonia and in monitoring the progress of treatment and rehabilitation. Full article

Coal mining is a hazardous occupation that can adversely affect both the physical and mental health of workers. This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of various mental health outcomes and job burnout among coal miners and to summarize available intervention strategies addressing these conditions. A systematic search of scientific databases, including Scopus, Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Central, was conducted for studies published from 2000 onwards. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO [CRD42024536144]. Methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using AXIS, ROBINS-I and RoB 2 tools. A random-effects model was applied to estimate pooled prevalences. Of the 14,048 studies identified, 34 studies were included, comprising a total of 38,996 coal miners. The pooled prevalence of job burnout was 53.75% (95% CI: 50.64–56.86%), while depressive symptoms were observed in 35.35% of coal miners (95% CI: 16.43–54.28%; I² = 97.41%). The pooled prevalence estimates were calculated with substantial heterogeneity (I² > 90%) and wide prediction intervals indicate considerable variability across studies. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to substantial heterogeneity across studies, which may limit the reliability of pooled estimates. A limited number of studies reported interventions, including an Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy (IAYT) and peer-based mental health and suicide prevention programs with supervisor training, which demonstrated potential benefits; however, these findings are based on limited and methodologically heterogeneous evidence, and the overall certainty remains low. The findings highlight a substantial burden of mental health problems among coal miners and suggest important policy implications, particularly for integrating mental health screening into periodic occupational health assessments. Addressing personal, social, and work-related determinants through comprehensive workplace strategies may help improve mental well-being and support workforce sustainability in the mining sector. Full article

Background: Healthcare professionals are exposed to high emotional demands, including repeated contact with suffering, death, moral distress, and organizational pressure. These factors are associated with psychological distress, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. Expressive Writing (EW) has been proposed as a psychological intervention, but evidence of its effectiveness among healthcare professionals remains heterogeneous. Objectives: To examine the effects of EW on psychological health, psychophysical well-being, and professional satisfaction among healthcare professionals. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, CINAHL, CENRAL, CENTRAL Scopus, Embase, and PsycINFO from database inception to January 2025. Quantitative studies involving healthcare professionals and evaluating structured expressive writing interventions were considered for inclusion, including randomized and non-randomized, controlled and uncontrolled designs. Studies reporting psychological, psychophysical, or work-related outcomes were eligible. Only full-text articles published in English or Italian were considered. The review protocol was registered and archived in the Open Science Framework. Methodological quality was assessed using CASP checklists, the RoB 2 tool, and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: Seven studies published between 2017 and 2023 were included. EW interventions were associated with reductions in psychological distress, particularly perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Findings regarding burnout and compassion fatigue were mixed. Organizational and job-related outcomes, such as job satisfaction and organizational commitment, showed limited and heterogeneous improvements. No consistent effects were observed for resilience or social support. Overall, the methodological quality of the included studies was generally good. Conclusions: EW appears to be a promising, low-cost intervention for reducing psychological distress among healthcare professionals. However, heterogeneity in study designs, intervention protocols, and outcome measures limits the strength of the evidence. Further high-quality, controlled studies using standardized EW protocols are needed. Full article

Background and Objectives: Burnout syndrome is a major challenge among healthcare workers, affecting both mental and physical health. Although stress may influence physiological systems, this study does not directly assess biological mechanisms, and interpretations should remain associative. Stress-related associations may be reflected in body composition, but objective data are limited. This study aims to assess the associations between burnout, body composition, and quality of life in medical staff, using bioimpedance as the main tool. Material and methods: The cross-sectional study included 95 medical staff (36 resident doctors, 13 specialists/consultants, 31 nurses, 15 nursing assistants), 75.8% women, mean age 38 ± 10 years, conducted in the medical and surgical departments of Dr. C.I. Parhon Clinical Hospital, Iași, between January and March 2024. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory; quality of life was evaluated with SF-12; body composition was measured by bioimpedance (BMI, muscle mass, fat mass, bone mass, hydration, basal metabolism, metabolic age). Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, and Spearman correlations. Results: Resident physicians had higher muscle, bone mass and basal metabolism, with lower adipose tissue compared to other categories (p < 0.05). Total burnout and exhaustion were positively correlated with muscle mass (r = 0.247, p = 0.016), bone mass (r = 0.219, p = 0.033), basal metabolism (r = 0.219, p = 0.033) and negatively with QoLM (r = −0.315, p = 0.002). Other body variables, including BMI, total adipose tissue, and water level, showed no significant correlations. These associations may be influenced by age, sex, and professional category and do not imply causality. Conclusions: Age, profession, and work seniority are associated with burnout and specific changes in body composition. However, these findings are correlational, and bioimpedance-derived parameters do not reflect direct biological stress mechanisms. Full article

International policy frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the WHO Quality Rights initiative, have established dignity as a foundational right in mental health care. However, a significant gap remains between these policy aspirations and the lived experience of service users, often due to risk-averse cultures that prioritize control over autonomy. This commentary employs an interpretive synthesis of international literature (2006–2025) and illustrative case examples, such as the Trieste model and Quality Rights implementation in low-resource settings, to examine the operationalization of dignity-centered care. I argue for a paradigm shift from control-based safety models to relational safety grounded in biographical literacy and positive risk-taking. Key findings highlight that dignity-centered approaches not only improve patient experiences of respect and agency but also mitigate moral injury and burnout among the nursing workforce. Furthermore, as digital mental health tools and AI-driven risk assessments emerge, systems must ensure these technologies enhance rather than automate paternalism. I conclude that realizing dignity-centered care requires a structural and cultural transformation, embedding dignity into clinical protocols, leadership practices, and environmental design to move beyond rhetorical commitments toward measurable, humane standards. Full article

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) can significantly enhance the efficient allocation of healthcare resources. The use of AI-driven diagnostic tests in healthcare settings supports healthcare professionals (HCPs) in diagnosis, treatment, and the prediction of patient outcomes. Methods: Relevant research studies published between 1 January 2015 and 30 August 2025 were included in this review. Randomized, retrospective, prospective, observational, comparative, and cross-sectional studies were incorporated. The PROBAST + AI tool was used to assess the risk of bias (ROB) and applicability concerns across the included studies. Results: The overall average diagnostic accuracy for AI vs. general HCPs was 81% vs. 71%. In comparisons of AI vs. non-expert HCPs, the accuracy was 95% vs. 82%. AI achieved significantly higher diagnostic accuracy than general and non-expert HCPs with odds ratios (OR) of 1.51 (95% CI: 1.17–1.96, p = 0.002) and 3.34 (95% CI: 1.13–9.86, p = 0.03), respectively. Diagnostic accuracy between AI and expert HCPs was 91% vs. 86%; AI achieved similar diagnostic accuracy to expert HCPs with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.25–2.07, p = 0.54). Additionally, high levels of burden or burnout were significantly lower among healthcare professionals supported by AI compared with those working without AI. The pooled estimate yielded an OR of 1.77 (95% CI: 1.40–2.24, p < 0.00001), indicating a meaningful reduction in workload-related stress when AI tools were integrated into clinical practice. Conclusions: Based on the findings, AI demonstrates a positive impact on diagnostic accuracy and contributes to reducing the workload of healthcare professionals. Full article

How students cope with academic stress is crucial for learning and well-being. The Multidimensional Measure of Coping (MMC) provides a comprehensive hierarchical assessment of academic coping; however, its length and adaptive–maladaptive distinction may limit practical use and constrain a more differentiated understanding of academic coping. This study aimed to refine the MMC and propose a differentiated higher-order structure for the MMC-Short Form (MMC-SF). Data were drawn from three adolescent samples from Northwest China (2024–2025): an exploratory sample (N = 1342), a confirmatory sample (N = 2037; test–retest N = 367; 4 weeks), and a longitudinal sample (T1 N = 948; T2 N = 760 at 1 month; T3 N = 893 at 6 months). Psychometric analyses (item analysis, exploratory structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis [CFA]) demonstrated that the 34-item MMC-SF reliably preserved the original 11-factor structure. Furthermore, a multi-method investigation integrating higher-order exploratory factor analysis and second-order CFA supported a hybrid higher-order structure, with proactive engagement and defensive disengagement as higher-order dimensions and escape coping as a distinct first-order factor. The predictive validity was examined in relation to academic self-efficacy and burnout. These findings support the reconceptualization of academic coping and provide a brief, psychometrically robust assessment tool. Full article

Burnout syndrome is conceptualized as a work-related psychological condition primarily marked by persistent exhaustion, emotional and cognitive impairment and mental distancing. In addition to these core dimensions, burnout may give rise to secondary symptoms, including psychological distress, psychosomatic complaints, and depressive mood. The Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT) includes specific measures for both primary and secondary symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the validity evidence of the BAT’s secondary symptoms Brazilian version scale (BAT-S). The sample consisted of 1.750 professionals (71% women), with a mean age of 39 years (SD = 11). Confirmatory Factor Analyses indicated that a model of two oblique first-order factors, differentiating psychological distress from psychosomatic complaints, provided a superior fit compared to the unidimensional solution. The scale also presented satisfactory internal consistency for the scales of psychological distress (α = 0.88 and ω = 0.90) and psychosomatic complaints (α = 0.85 and ω = 0.87). The BAT-S represents a reliable tool to assess these secondary symptoms of burnout, advancing research that integrates behavioral and physiological markers, offering practical applications for occupational health interventions and preventive strategies in the workplace. Full article