STRESS, EXHAUSTION AND DEPRESSION: THE CENTRAL VARIABLES IN HIGH-RISK PROFESSIONS AND THE ROLE OF PERSONAL RESOURCES

Abstract

The importanceof personal resources in the context of high demanding work conditions is often being reported. However, when and what type of personal resources are the beneficial ones is not fully understood. The aim of this study is to apply network analysis and explore closeness of relationships between personal resources, occupational stressors, perceived stress, the three areas of burnout, depressive symptoms and self-rated health in individuals working in high-risk professions. The study sample comprised 277 policeofficers, prison guards, customs officers and NHS physicians and nurses (68,6% men, Mage = 36.97, SDage = 8.98). Observed variables included perceived stress (PSS), occupational stressors (OSI-R ORQ) and personal resources (OSI-R PRQ), depressive symptoms(SDS), burnout (MBI) and self-rated health (item from SF-36). The network analysis (EBICglasso) was performed. Network analysis revealed that the most central (degree indicator) variables were depressive symptoms, stress, emotional exhaustion and particular occupational stressor-role ambiguity. These variables are potentially the most useful to be directed by intervention programs. Activating recreation, rational coping and social support could be potentially beneficial strategy in alleviating depressive symptoms. Recreational activities could protect health deterioration. Self-care strategies did not have a strong position in the network model.