Occupational Burnout and Psychological Resilience Levels Among Physiotherapists

Abstract

This study sets out to determine those factors that may increase the risk of occupational burnout among physiotherapists. Fifty-six physiotherapists (39 women and 14 men aged 25-69) with various specializations (paediatric, adult, or both), work models (individual, team, or both), and workplaces (public or private) completed the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) to assess their burnout levels and the Resilience Scale (SPP-25) in order to have their psychological resilience evaluated. Pearson correlation coefficients showed a significant inverse relationship between psychological resilience and the risk of burnout. Among environmental factors, private clinical practice had a protective effect against burnout. Regression analysis revealed that tolerance for failure and viewing life as a challenge (a subscale of SPP-25) were key predictors of burnout. Higher tolerance for failure and viewing life as a challenge corresponded with lower scores on the exhaustion and disengagement scales. The study showed that the higher the psychological resilience, regardless of specialization, work model, or workplace, the lower the risk of burnout. This indicates the need for greater attention to employees’ personality traits, which can significantly impact work quality.