Occupational Stress, Cognitive Appraisal and Burnout in Physicians

Abstract

The current study aimed to explore the correlation between Occupational Stress, Cognitive Appraisal, and Burnout among physicians. Employing a cross-sectional research design, the study targeted physicians with 1.5-2 years of experience working in hospital settings, either in the government sector or private, aged between 25-45, selected through purposive sampling. The assessment utilized a Stress Questionnaire for Health Professionals to measure physicians' Occupational Stress, while Cognitive Appraisal was measured using the Primary Secondary Cognitive Appraisal Scale. Burnout among physicians was assessed via the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. In addition to examining the relationship between these variables, regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of Burnout, and a t-test was employed to assess differences in Burnout between the two types of institutional settings. Findings revealed a significant association between occupational stress, cognitive appraisal, and burnout among physicians, with no significant difference in burnout observed between the two work settings. Prioritizing physicians' overall wellbeing is crucial, by enhancement of stress management skills, equitable workload distribution, and the promotion of work-life balance through flexible scheduling and relaxation opportunities.