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Burnout and Psychological Vulnerability in First Responders: Monitoring Depersonalization and Phobic Anxiety during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Veronica Benincasa

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy)

  • Maria Passannante

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy)

  • Filippo Perrini

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy)

  • Luna Carpinelli

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy)

  • Giuseppina Moccia

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy)

  • Tiziana Marinaci

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy)

  • Mario Capunzo

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy)

  • Concetta Pironti

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy)

  • Armando Genovese

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy)

  • Giulia Savarese

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy)

  • Francesco De Caro

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy)

  • Oriana Motta

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy)

Abstract

Background: It is common knowledge that first responders are among the helping professionals most at risk of burnout and psychological vulnerability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, their mental health has been subjected to various risk factors. Methods: Data on socio-demographic characteristics, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and psychological vulnerability (SCL-90-R) were obtained from 228 subjects (55.3% female; M age = 45.23, SD = 13.14) grouped on the basis of their actual involvement during the emergency phases (82% First Responders and 18% Second Responders). Results: First responders exceeded the MBI clinical cut-off, while SRs did not (χ² ≥ 0.5); specifically, EE = 89.8%, DP = 85.8%, and PA = 82.1%. The FR group showed a higher mean in the global severity index (GSI = 49.37) than did the SRs (=43.95), and the FR group exceeded the clinical cut-off in the SCL-90-R scales of SOM (51.06), ANX (52.40), and PHOB (53.60), while the SF group did so only for the PHOB scale (50.41). The MBI dimensions correlated significantly ( p = 0.05) with all investigated clinical scales of the SCL-90-R. Conclusions: Emergency situations expose first responders to specific risk factors related to work performance and relational aspects, which contribute to increased psychological vulnerability and burnout.

Suggested Citation

  • Veronica Benincasa & Maria Passannante & Filippo Perrini & Luna Carpinelli & Giuseppina Moccia & Tiziana Marinaci & Mario Capunzo & Concetta Pironti & Armando Genovese & Giulia Savarese & Francesco De, 2022. "Burnout and Psychological Vulnerability in First Responders: Monitoring Depersonalization and Phobic Anxiety during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-9, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:5:p:2794-:d:760183
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chang-Ho Jihn & Bokyoung Kim & Kue Sook Kim, 2021. "Predictors of Burnout in Hospital Health Workers during the COVID-19 Outbreak in South Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-17, November.
    2. Cuiyan Wang & Riyu Pan & Xiaoyang Wan & Yilin Tan & Linkang Xu & Cyrus S. Ho & Roger C. Ho, 2020. "Immediate Psychological Responses and Associated Factors during the Initial Stage of the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Epidemic among the General Population in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-25, March.
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