JOBS STRESS LEADS TO PROFESSIONAL BURNOUT IN ADDICTION SPECIALISTS
Authors: Bokuchava *Tamar , Javakhishvili Nino 
Published: February 2025

Background

Occupational stress significantly influences the quality of work and motivation among professionals, with mental health and addiction specialists facing heightened challenges due to both organizational stress and the intricate demands of attending to patients with chronic illnesses and life- threatening behaviors (Osborn 2004; Vilardaga et al. 2011; Shekriladze 2015). Furthermore, scholars assert that job stress may lead to professional burnout among healthcare workers (Han et al. 2020; Shen et al. 2021; Sorbi 2016). Burnout, a progressive psychological response to enduring job-related stress, is manifested through emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and professional reduction (Maslach &Jackson 1981). Emotional exhaustion involves a sense of emotional emptiness and fatigue, depersonalization encompasses a cynical attitude toward work and colleagues, and reduced professional accomplishment entails feelings of incompetence and lack of success, particularly evident among healthcare professionals (Maslach 1998). Recognizing burnout as an occupational disease within healthcare professionals underscores its detrimental impact on healthcare quality and the well-being of medical personnel (Chen et al. 2013).

Aims and Objectives

This study investigated the association between job stress and the development of professional burnout among addiction specialists.

Method

Employing a cross-sectional survey design, we recruited 120 physicians, psychologists, and nurses from detox clinics, opioid substitution therapy, and psychosocial rehabilitation centers. Data collection utilized the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS) and Spielberger's "Job Stress Survey (JSS)" (Spielberger 2000). JSS measures job stress intensity and frequency of different potential stressors. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the Georgian version of MBI-HSS yielded satisfactory indices after the removal of two items. Job stress was measured using a validated short Georgian version (Javakhishvili, Bokuchava 2021)

Results

Means, standard deviations, and correlations were computed. Job stress frequency demonstrated the most substantial positive correlation with emotional exhaustion, while, there was no significant correlation with depersonalization and professional reduction (Table 1). Hierarchical regression analysis was performed, incorporating demographic variables in the first model and two jobs stress scales in the second model. Both models were statistically significant, with job stress frequency emerging as a positive predictor of emotional exhaustion: β =.32, t = 2.05, p =.04. while job stress intensity did not yield any significant coefficient.

Discussion and Conclusion

The findings align with existing literature, suggesting that frequent job stress contributes to emotional exhaustion, thereby compromising the quality of professional work (Angulo & Osca 2012; Guveli et al. 2015). Intensive job stress appears to be influenced by individual characteristics rather than external work conditions (Motowidlo et al. 1986). In line with Maslach's conceptualization of burnout factors, our results underscore the distinct and independent operation of professional burnout scales, revealing varied responses to diverse work environments (Maslach, Jackson &Leiter 1997).

References

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