A Qualitative Analysis of Job Burnout in Eating Disorder Treatment Providers

Abstract

Although job burnout is common in mental health care settings, almost no research has examined burnout in eating disorder treatment providers. Using qualitative methodology, this study examined a) perceived contributors of burnout, b) efforts to manage burnout, and c) recommendations for avoiding burnout in a sample of professional eating disorder treatment providers. Recruited via professional organizations, 298 participants completed an online questionnaire designed by the authors. Qualitative responses were coded and grouped into themes. Results indicated that almost all participants worried about their patients' health, which frequently resulted in negative affect (e.g., anxiety, sadness). The most frequently cited contributors to burnout were common characteristics of eating pathology (e.g., chronicity, relapse, symptom severity); patient characteristics (e.g., personality conflict); work-related factors (e.g., time demands); and, financial issues (e.g., inadequate compensation). To avoid burnout, over 90% of participants engaged in self-care behaviors (e.g., exercise, social support). Early-career practitioners were encouraged to utilize supervision, create a work/life balance, engage in self-care, and limit caseloads. These results suggest that supervision and training of eating disorder treatment providers should include burnout management.

The lived experience of working with people with eating disorders: A meta‐ethnography

“…In 29 studies, participants reported that their work with individuals with EDs was “emotionally draining” (treatment provider; Warren et al, , p. 183) in the context of high levels of resistance and relapse, the shock of emaciation, feeling manipulated by service users, and difficulties with other professionals and families. Many clinicians described experiencing frustration, and some reported anger, in response to service users' rejection of treatment, denial, and relapse: “I looked after a girl who used to rip out the naso gastric feeding] tube….After some time, you would get feelings of immense anger and frustration” (health professional; Walker & Lloyd, , p. 142).…”

Developing psychotherapists’ competence through clinical supervision: protocol for a qualitative study of supervisory dyads

“…There have been growing calls to address these stressors through professional support and development mechanisms [4-7]. Clinical supervision, in particular, is regarded as a key method for helping to avoid burnout and maintain professional wellbeing [7,8] as well as for holding mental health professionals accountable [8-10]. Clinical supervision refers to a principled and contractual relationship, in which the supervisor assists the supervisee to reflect on their clinical work with patients/clients [11].…”

Are information professionals burned out?

“…As an indication of the scope of these occupational studies, in 2012 alone, burnout research was done on teachers (Pishghadam and Sahebjam, 2012), doctors (Siu et al, 2012), nurses (van der Doef et al, 2012), clergy (Barnard and Curry, 2012), occupational therapists (Gupta et al, 2012), music therapists (Kim, 2012), fl ight attendants (Chen and Kao, 2012), correctional staff (Lambert et al, 2012), professional caregivers in longterm care settings for the elderly (de Rooij et al, 2012), working undergraduate university business students (Galbraith and Merrill, 2012), dental and medical students (Prinz et al, 2012), eating disorder treatment providers (Warren et al, 2012), and employees at a large public hospital (Hämmig et al, 2012), to name but a few.…”