Coping behaviour and defense mechanisms of nursing staff depending on the level of severity of emotional burnout

Introduction. Health care professionals’ (HCP) occupational activity is associated with a highly intense psycho-emotional load.

The purpose of the study is to identify the basic strategies of stress-overcoming behaviour in the cognitive, emotional, and behavioural spheres and the characteristics of defense mechanisms among nursing staff.

Materials and methods. An online study of coping strategies and defense mechanisms (DM) was carried out using E. Heim’s questionnaire, and method “Life Style Index”. The respondents were divided into two subgroups depending on the severity of emotional burnout (EB). Research results are displayed as median, upper and lower quartiles, and extensive indicators. The comparison of indicators was carried out using the χ² criterion, the relationship between characteristics was assessed using correlation analysis, and the structure of the DM was studied using the factor analysis.

Results. Non-constructive and relatively adaptive copings predominate in the structure of cognitive strategies among HCP with an average and high level of EB. Adaptive copings predominate among emotional strategies in HCP with an average level of EB, and non-adaptive and relatively adaptive in HCP with a high
EB level. Non-constructive copings were in the majority among HCP with a high level of EB. The dominant MD among HCP with an average level of EB are “denial”, “repression”, “reaction formation”, and “regression”, “intellectualization”, “reaction formation” in HCP with a high EB level. The distribution of the largest weight loads in the MD complex is not identical; the common feature is the presence of “regression”, “compensation” in the first factor, “repression”, “response formation” in the second, and “denial” in the third.

Limitations. The study is one-stage, performed with the participation of one occupational group.

Conclusion. Non-adaptive, relatively adaptive cognitive and behavioural coping strategies predominate in the structure of coping behaviour among HCP with different levels of EB. The combination of MD in HCP with different EB levels is a key subsystem of interrelated functioning protective mechanisms that ensure the preservation of mental homeostasis and the integrity of the individual.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study was performed in accordance with ethical standards and approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the East-Siberian Institute of Medical and Ecological Research (conclusion No. 3 dated February 16, 2021, conclusion No. 5 dated March 21, 2023).

Contribution:
Pankov V.A. — concept and design of the study, collection of material, writing text, editing, approval of the final version of the article, responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article;
Kuleshova M.V. — concept and design of the study, collection and processing of material, statistical processing, writing text, editing, responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgment. The work was performed within the funds allocated for the implementation of the State task for the East-Siberian Institute of Medical and Ecological Research.

Received: March 25, 2024 / Revised: April 26, 2024 / Accepted: June 19, 2024 / Published: July 17, 2024