Unravelling the effects of burnout on mental health nurses: a qualitative approach

Abstract

Purpose

Burnout is defined as the syndrome that causes emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and reduction in personal achievement, and concerns people-oriented professions. This study explores the impact of burnout on the health, social and family life of mental health nurses.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative method with face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews was implemented with 16 mental health nurses working in Athens, Greece.

Findings

Nursing staff experience emotional exhaustion intensely due to stress since psychiatric patients require constant contact and communication and increased needs that workers have to meet. Regarding the feeling of personal achievement, they evaluated their performance positively and were satisfied with the effectiveness of the care provided. Regarding depersonalisation, the interviewees stated that they do experience it; however, in their majority they express that they do not wish to distance themselves from their duties. Their social and family life is not significantly affected and communication and support from family members is highly rated.

Originality/value

The research has focused on samples of nurses without mentioning their specialisation, while few studies in Greece have focused on the phenomenon in mental health nurses using qualitative research methods. This study aimed to fill this gap in the literature by examining burnout syndrome using a qualitative methodology.

Citation

Tsolakidou, A., Fouskas, T., Koulierakis, G. and Liarigkovinou, A. (2024), "Unravelling the effects of burnout on mental health nurses: a qualitative approach", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 44 No. 11/12, pp. 1040-1059. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSSP-09-2023-0241