The Relationship between Burnout Dimensions and Psychological Symptoms (Depression, Anxiety and Stress) Among Nurses

Abstract Introduction: Working in healthcare jobs and the health sector, where one has to face human communication and health-related issues every day, can cause a lot of stress. Nurses are important members of the healthcare system of a country; they play a crucial role in improving the quality of healthcare. Burnout as the main characteristic of job stress refers to a delayed reaction to chronic stressors at work. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between burnout dimensions and psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety and stress) among nurses. Material and Methods: This present study was a descriptive-analytic and cross-sectional study, which was conducted on 270 nurses working in educational hospitals in Rasht (Iran), using stratified random sampling. The research instruments included demographic questionnaire, Maslach burnout inventory and depression, anxiety and stress questionnaire {Depresion Anxiety, Stress, Scale (DASS21)}. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation and regression). Results: The findings showed that there is a significantly positive correlation between burnout dimensions (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment) and psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety and stress) in nurses (P<0.001). Burnout also significantly predicted 42%, 25% and 32% of variance in nurses&rsquo; depression, anxiety and stress respectively (P<0.001). Conclusion: Considering the fact that mental health can positively affect the nursing profession and given the positive relationship between burnout dimensions and psychological symptoms, it is recommended that we must the reduce burnout rate by holding emotion regulation-training classes and promote it.