Emotional Intelligence and Burnout Syndrome in Medical Residents

Abstract

Different studies agree that health professionals are exposed to high wear and tear at work, often leading to burnout syndrome. The impact of certain psychological resources could be associated with a decrease in burnout indicators. In this context, the objective of the study has been to specifically evaluate the role of Emotional Intelligence in Burnout Syndrome. Method: an intentional sample of 50 resident physicians of a private health institution, in the province of Entre Ríos, Argentina, was selected. With prior informed consent, the Spanish version of the Trait-Meta Mood Scale (TMMS -24) emotional intelligence scales, studied in Argentina, and the version adapted to Spanish of the Burnout Inventory were administered. Multiple regression analyzes were performed to assess the predictive role of Emotional Intelligence on burnout. The results showed that the dimensions of Emotional Intelligence that were predictors of burnout were: emotional attention and, inversely, the emotional repair dimension. Specifically, emotional attention predicted responses of greater depersonalization, and emotional repair, responses of less depersonalization. In addition, it was observed that, as emotional clarity and emotional repair increase, responses of low personal fulfillment decrease. Conclusions: The results obtained highlight the importance of emotional intelligence as a resource that could mitigate, in general, the symptoms of burnout in health personnel.