[Burn-On Instead of Burn-Out: Self-Care and Functional Coping Strategies Protect Psychotherapists from Psychological Stress During the Corona Pandemic]. / Burn-on statt Burn-out: Selbstfürsorge und funktionale Bewältigungsstrategien schützen PsychotherapeutInnen vor psychischen Belastungen während der Corona-Pandemie.

ABSTRACT

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.