Occupational therapists' experience of stress, burnout and associated use of coping strategies in mental healthcare settings in Gauteng

Abstract

Introduction: South African occupational therapists, working in the field of mental healthcare, are exposed to varying intensities of chronic stress, which can contribute towards their experience of burnout symptoms. However, studies conducted on these topics have often highlighted the prevalence of stress and burnout, rather than describing the causes thereof and/or offering appropriate coping strategies.

Aims and objectives: This study aims to explore and describe the experiences of occupational therapists, working in mental healthcare settings, related to stress and burnout and their associated use of coping strategies. In doing so, the study describes the challenges which contribute to symptoms of chronic stress and, ultimately, burnout experienced by occupational therapists as well as their awareness of their experience, and the resultant strategies which they employ as a means of coping.

Research design: A qualitative, explorative, and descriptive design was applied in the study to explore and describe the occupational therapists’ experiences related to stress and burnout and their associated use of coping strategies.

Methodology: Thirteen occupational therapists working within the context of mental healthcare settings in chronic and/or acute settings both in the public and private sectors in Gauteng formed the study sample through purposive and snowball sampling. Data was collected through online focus group discussions which then underwent thematic analysis according to open coding, in order to generate findings.

Findings: The participants of this study described their experiences of stress and burnout and four major themes emerged, namely 1) personal, psychological experiences of stress and burnout; 2) expectations to fulfil the occupational therapy role; 3) daily clinical challenges; and 4) occupational therapists’ use of coping strategies.

Conclusion: Occupational therapists, working in the field of mental healthcare in Gauteng, experience stress and symptoms of burnout to the detriment of their personal and psychological functioning. The occupational therapists described clinical challenges and pressure related to fulfilling the occupational therapists’ role as contributing factors to their experience of stress and burnout. They reported the implementation of personal boundaries, use of internal and external resources and application of holistic self-care as effective strategies of coping with their experiences within this field.

Key terms/concepts: Burnout; coping strategies; mental healthcare settings; occupational therapists; stress.