[Burn-On Instead of Burn-Out: Self-Care and Functional Coping Strategies Protect Psychotherapists from Psychological Stress During the Corona Pandemic].

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Due to the Corona pandemic, psychotherapists are confronted with new professional challenges. Regarding the patient care to be provided, the question of risk and protective factors for maintaining well-being during the pandemic appears relevant to prevent negative long-term consequences such as burnout. This is the first study investigating the influence of coping and self-care strategies on the psychological distress of psychotherapists in Germany during the Corona pandemic.

METHODS

From April to June 2020, 155 psychotherapists completed an online questionnaire. Additionally, to job related changes, stress level, symptoms of burnout and well-being were assessed. Furthermore, the influence of active and passive coping strategies as well as of different areas of self-care (e. g., professional support, cognitive awareness for work-related stress and work-life balance) on psychological burden was examined.

RESULTS

Psychotherapists worked an average of 1,22 hours less per week during the pandemic than before. On average, 38% of treatments were delivered via video therapy. Avoidant coping strategies were associated with increased stress levels, which predicted higher burnout scores and lower well-being. In contrast, a good work-life balance, a good daily balance at work and active coping had a positive effect. Contrary to expectation, cognitive awareness for work-related stress was related to lower well-being.

DISCUSSION: Work-life balance can serve as a preventive strategy to reduce stress during the Corona pandemic and thereby reduce the risk for burnout and improve well-being. Avoidant coping strategies, on the other hand, are a risk factor for increased stress levels during pandemic and promote burnout and lower well-being.

CONCLUSION

This study contributes to our knowledge regarding preventive measures to prevent stress and to maintain the well-being of psychotherapist in order to contribute to ongoing high quality patient care during the pandemic.