The relationship between alexithymia and burnout in nurses: A cross-sectional study

This study evaluated the relationship between alexithymia and job burnout in nurses, providing practical insights for healthcare professionals. The present research employed a cross-sectional design to examine this relationship among nurses employed at medical training centers in Rasht City during ۲۰۲۱-۲۰۲۲. The data collection instruments utilized in this study included the personal and occupational profile questionnaire, the Toronto alexithymia scale, and the Maslach burnout inventory. A multi-stage sampling method was employed proportionate to the population size, and ultimately, convenience sampling was utilized. A total of ۲۵۸ nurses participated in this research. The study found that the average age of the nurses is ۳۵.۹۹ (standard deviation [SD]=۸.۱۹) years, with an average work experience of ۱۱.۷۸ (SD=۷.۴۰) years. The mean total alexithymia score among the nurses studied was ۵۱.۲ (SD=۹.۶). The average score for the emotional exhaustion dimension was ۲۰.۲ (SD=۱۲.۳), the average score for the depersonalization dimension was ۳.۵ (SD=۶.۳), and the average score for the personal accomplishment dimension was ۳۲.۰ (SD=۱۰.۲). The study also revealed a weak but statistically significant positive correlation between the total alexithymia and emotional exhaustion scores (r=۰.۲۷۲, P<۰.۰۰۱). A moderately significant positive correlation was also observed between the total alexithymia and depersonalization scores (r=۰.۴۴۱, P<۰.۰۰۱). A moderately significant negative correlation was found between the total alexithymia score and the personal accomplishment score among the nurses studied (r=۰.۳۴۵, P<۰.۰۰۱). In conclusion, the study calls for nursing managers and policymakers to prioritize mental health support and training programs tailored to the needs of nurses, thereby empowering them to enhance their well-being and resilience and ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and a more resilient healthcare workforce.

کلیدواژه ها:

alexithymia ، Professional Burnout ، Nurses ، Nursing