Burnout and depression in Australian psychologists: The moderating role of self-compassion

The Benefits of Self-Compassion in Mental Health Professionals: A Systematic Review of Empirical Research

“… 39 Moreover, self-compassion could play a protective role against the onset of depressive symptoms in times of increased burnout risk. As McCade et al 29 reported, self-compassion acts as a moderating variable in the positive relationship between burnout and depression, finding that for psychologists with high levels of self-compassion, the connection between burnout and depression is not significant, while for those with low or moderate levels of self-compassion, a positive and significant association between burnout and depression is observed. Interestingly, Aruta et al 40 have informed of positive correlations between self-compassion and professionals’ attitudes and intentions towards help-seeking in case of experiencing mental health problems themselves, which may indicate that these self-compassionate professionals could better circumvent one of the barriers to help-seeking, ie the stigma attached to mental health among healthcare providers.…”

“…Here, it has been found that higher levels of self-compassion are associated with better scores in well-being, 27 , 37 while self-kindness and self-judgment are positively and negatively associated, respectively, with this construct. 27 Higher scores on self-compassion would further correspond with lower levels of depression, 29 , 31 psychological distress 38 and stress. 39 Moreover, self-compassion could play a protective role against the onset of depressive symptoms in times of increased burnout risk.…”

“…Several authors advocate the incorporation of self-compassion-based training in the curriculum of mental health professionals, in order to foster a greater awareness of the need for self-care in this group. 27 , 29–32 , 39–41 , 43 Furthermore, they point to the possible role of self-compassion as a protective element against occupational hazards characteristic of mental health care, such as compassion fatigue, or more general problems related to stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Table 2 summarizes cross-sectional research on the benefits of self-compassion for mental health professionals.…”

“… 41 Counselling and clinical psychology doctoral trainees 192 SCS-SF; MAAS; CSES; PCS-R Mindfulness (+); self-efficacy (+); professional competencies (+) Mindfulness → Self-compassion → Self-efficacy Mindfulness → Self-compassion → Self-assessed professional competency McCade et al (2021). 29 Psychologists 248 SCS-SF; CBI; DASS-21 (depression subscale) Burnout (-); depression (-) Self-compassion moderates the relationship between burnout and depression Ondrejková & Halamová (2022). 30 Helping professions (nurses, doctors, paramedics, home nurses, teachers, psychologists, psychotherapists and coaches, social workers, priests and pastors, and police officers).…”

“…Interestingly, self-compassion may act as a protective element against the development of depressive symptoms when the professional is exposed to high levels of burnout. 29 In addition, self-compassion appeared linked to a better balance between professional and personal life, with self-compassion mediating the relationship between work-life balance and emotional exhaustion. 28 From a qualitative perspective, Patsiopoulos and Buchanan 45 have also mentioned, among the benefits of self-compassion, better management of occupational stress and challenges involved at therapeutic work.…”