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Give until It Hurts: An Exploratory Analysis of Mental Health Workers’ Wellness

Author

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  • Marin G. Olson

    (Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Karly M. Pyles

    (Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

  • Danielle Kristen Nadorff

    (Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA)

Abstract

Background: The well-being of mental health professionals has been of growing concern due to the increasing rates of reported stress and burnout. Previous research suggests that the quality of life for mental health workers (MHWs) is at an increased risk due to clinical load, salary concerns, and lack of time for self-care activities outside of work. There is a lack of research regarding the wellness of MHWs (i.e., psychology graduate students, academic faculty, psychiatrists, and mental health counselors) and its relation to the workplace environment. This study examined job-related factors that impacted participants’ social, emotional, and professional well-being. Methods: Participants were recruited via professional organization listservs and answered questions about their psychological health (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9), support systems (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support), and three qualitative questions about what they enjoy or find challenging about their work and any barriers to engaging in self-care activities. Results: An inductive qualitative analysis of the qualitative questions and descriptive statistics are presented to provide context for their qualitative responses. Conclusions: Institutions can better support their workers by creating outlets to teach their staff self-care strategies and practice these strategies at work.

Suggested Citation

  • Marin G. Olson & Karly M. Pyles & Danielle Kristen Nadorff, 2023. "Give until It Hurts: An Exploratory Analysis of Mental Health Workers’ Wellness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(20), pages 1-11, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:20:p:6925-:d:1259866
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Kahler W. Stone & Kristina W. Kintziger & Meredith A. Jagger & Jennifer A. Horney, 2021. "Public Health Workforce Burnout in the COVID-19 Response in the U.S," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-11, April.
    4. Katharina Klug & Jörg Felfe & Annika Krick, 2022. "Does Self-Care Make You a Better Leader? A Multisource Study Linking Leader Self-Care to Health-Oriented Leadership, Employee Self-Care, and Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-16, May.
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