Stress, Burnout, and Resilience among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Emergency: The Role of Defense Mechanisms

Mariagrazia Di Giuseppe, Gianni Nepa, Tracy A. Prout, Fabrizio Albertini, Stefano Marcelli, Graziella Orrù and Ciro Conversano
Additional contact information
Mariagrazia Di Giuseppe: Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Critical and Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
Gianni Nepa: Hospital “G. Mazzini”, ASL 4, 64100 Teramo, Italy
Tracy A. Prout: Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
Fabrizio Albertini: Hospital “G. Mazzoni”, Asur Marche Area Vasta 5 Ascoli Piceno, 63100 Ascoli Piceno, Italy
Stefano Marcelli: Hospital “G. Mazzoni”, Asur Marche Area Vasta 5 Ascoli Piceno, 63100 Ascoli Piceno, Italy
Graziella Orrù: Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Critical and Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
Ciro Conversano: Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Critical and Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 10, 1-12

Abstract: The experience of working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 healthcare crisis has presented a cumulative traumatic experience that affects healthcare professionals’ well-being. Psychological resources such as resilience and adaptive defense mechanisms are essential in protecting individuals from severe stress and burnout. During September 2020, 233 healthcare workers responded to an online survey to test the impact of demographic variables, COVID-19 exposure, and psychological resources in determining stress and burnout during the COVID-19 emergency. Frontline workers reported higher scores for stress, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization ( p < 0.001) as compared to colleagues working in units not directly serving patients with COVID-19. Mature defensive functioning was associated with resilience and personal accomplishment ( r = 0.320; p < 0.001), while neurotic and immature defenses were related to perceived stress and burnout. Stress and burnout were predicted by lower age, female gender, greater exposure to COVID-19, lower resilience, and immature defensive functioning among healthcare professionals (R 2 = 463; p < 0.001). Working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to provoke greater stress and burnout. On the other hand, resilience and adaptive defense mechanisms predicted better adjustment. Future reaction plans should promote effective programs offering support for healthcare workers who provide direct care to patients with COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; stress; burnout; resilience; defense mechanisms; frontline workers; emotion regulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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