The relationship between career adaptability, decent work, job satisfaction and burnout among psychiatrists: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global increase in demand for mental health services, worsening the shortage of psychiatrists. As a result, psychiatrists have experienced decreased job satisfaction, diminished perceptions of decent work, and increased burnout. Understanding psychiatrists' career adaptability is crucial for addressing these challenges.

Methods: This cross-sectional study employed convenience sampling in February 2024. A total of 516 psychiatrists working in public hospitals in Zhejiang Province and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were assessed using demographic characteristics, the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS), the Decent Work Perceptions Scale (DWPS), the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS).

Results: The study revealed that career adaptability significantly impacts burnout, job satisfaction, and perceptions of decent work. Job satisfaction and perceptions of decent work negatively affect burnout, while decent work positively influences job satisfaction. Mediation analysis further revealed that decent work mediates the relationship between career adaptability and burnout.

Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of career adaptability among psychiatrists and the mediating role of decent work and job satisfaction. Therefore, psychiatric hospital management should implement strategies to enhance physicians' career adaptability, promote decent work, improve job satisfaction, reduce burnout, and protect physicians' professional well-being.