P-121 POSITIVE OUTCOME EXPECTANCIES AND PERCEIVED RESILIENCE AS POTENTIAL SOURCES OF WITHIN-GROUP HETEROGENEITY IN THE REPORTING OF EXHAUSTION SYMPTOMS AMONG SWEDISH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS

Introduction Beliefs and expectations are psychological mechanisms of relevance for stress and health, yet they are often overlooked as a source of within-group heterogeneity when it comes to reporting epidemiological survey data. Accordingly, we examined to what extent positive outcome expectancies (POE) and perceived resilience change the reporting of exhaustion symptoms. Methods Cross-sectional data from 2219 Swedish school principals (78% women; mean age 49 years [SD 7 years]) were analyzed. The Karolinska Exhaustion Disorder Scale (KEDS) and the Lund University Checklist for Incipient Exhaustion (LUCIE) were used to classify exhausted versus non-exhausted principals. Low, medium, or high levels of POE and resilience were determined via generalized self-efficacy scores and two single items “Have you lately felt hopeful for the future” and “You are a stress tolerant person, that is, you quickly bounce back after difficulties in work and private life.” Results Most principals reported high Generalized self-efficacy (88.0%), high Hope for the future (67.6%), and high resilience (90.0%). Principals reporting low POE, or low resilience, reported more exhaustion symptoms. Adjusted logistic regression analyses showed that low Hope for the future scores were strongly associated with exhaustion in LUCIE (OR=12.3, 95% CI=8.0-19.0, p <.001) and KEDS (OR=12.6, 95% CI=8.4-18.8, p<.001). Discussion The associations between low hope for the future and exhaustion symptoms is a reminder that a positive outlook on life is a vital part of mental health and a potential area for psychological intervention. Conclusion Positive outcome expectancies and perceived resilience are potential sources of heterogeneity in the reporting of exhaustion symptoms in epidemiological surveys.