Prevalence of Professional Burnout Among Military Mental Health Service Providers

• Published in: Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.) Vol. 67; no. 1; pp. 137 - 140
• Main Authors: Kok, Brian C, Herrell, Richard K, Grossman, Sasha H, West, Joyce C, Wilk, Joshua E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Psychiatric Association 01-01-2016; American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc
• Subjects: Adult; Burnout; Burnout, Professional - epidemiology; Early intervention; Female; Health education; Humans; Job Satisfaction; Logistic Models; Male; Mental health care; Mental Health Services - manpower; Military Personnel - psychology; Occupational psychology; Physician patient relationships; Self Report; United States
• ISSN: 1075-2730; 1557-9700
• DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.201400430

Objective:Professional burnout is a well-documented occupational phenomenon, characterized by the gradual “wearing away” of an individual’s physical and mental well-being, resulting in a variety of adverse job-related outcomes. It has been suggested that burnout is more common in occupations that require close interpersonal relationships, such as mental health services.Methods:This study surveyed 488 mental health clinicians working with military populations about work-related outcomes, including level of professional burnout, job satisfaction, and other work-related domains.Results:Approximately 21% (weighted) of the sample reported elevated levels of burnout; several domains were found to be significantly associated with burnout.Conclusions:Education about professional burnout symptoms and early intervention are essential to ensure that providers continue to provide optimal care for service members and veterans.