The relationship between clinical empathy, quality of life, and job burnout among psychiatry residents

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Resident of psychiatry, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

2 Associate professor of community medicine, Clinical Research Development Unit, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

3 Associate professor of psychiatry, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

10.22038/JFMH.2025.87256.3239

Abstract

Introduction: Clinical empathy, burnout, and quality of life (QoL) significantly impact healthcare professionals' well-being. Psychiatry residents are particularly susceptible to burnout, which may affect their empathy and QoL. This study explores these relationships among psychiatry residents.
 
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50 residents in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences were assessed using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and WHOQOL-BREF. Data were analyzed using SPSS. v. 22, descriptive statistics, and Pearson's test.
 
Results: Mean empathy was 110.4 ± 12.7 (moderate level). Burnout was high (33.6 ± 9.2), primarily due to emotional exhaustion (18.2 ± 6.1). QoL was moderate (67.5 ± 9.4), with the lowest score in social relationships (13.2 ± 3.6). Empathy negatively correlated with burnout (r= -0.45, P= 0.003) and positively with QoL (r= 0.38, P= 0.028). Burnout negatively impacted physical (r= -0.458, P= 0.003), mental (r= -0.640, P< 0.001), and social QoL (r= -0.618, P< 0.001). Cognitive empathy positively correlated with physical (r= 0.459, P= 0.003), mental (r= 0.376, P= 0.028), social (r= 0.348, P= 0.005), and environmental QoL (r= 0.446, P= 0.004). Emotional empathy was linked to better mental health (r= 0.437, P= 0.005) and social relationships (r= 0.446, P= 0.004).
 
Conclusion: The study highlights key relationships between empathy, burnout, and quality of life. Reducing burnout and improving life quality may enhance empathy, benefiting both residents and patient care. Targeted mental health interventions are needed to support healthcare workers.

Keywords

References

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Fundamentals of Mental Health
Volume 27, Issue 6
November and December 2025
Pages 375-379

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