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A Structural Equation Modeling Approach to the Moderating Effect of Psychological Well-Being on Burnout and Depressive Symptoms Among Mental Health Professionals

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: This study investigates whether psychological well-being moderates the relationship between burnout and depressive symptoms among mental health professionals, who are frequently exposed to high emotional labor. Methods: A sample of 607 professionals—including psychologists, guidance counselors, social workers, and psychiatrists—working in public and private institutions in Turkey participated in the study. Data were collected online using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Psychological Well-Being Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory–II. A latent interaction term between burnout and psychological well-being was tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results: Burnout was positively associated with depressive symptoms (β = 0.37, p < 0.001), and psychological well-being showed a significant main effect on depressive symptoms (β = 0.26, p < 0.001). Importantly, the interaction between burnout and psychological well-being was significant (β = 0.20, p < 0.001), indicating that psychological well-being significantly moderates the relationship between burnout and depressive symptoms. Specifically, the positive interaction suggests that the association between burnout and depressive symptoms becomes stronger at higher levels of psychological well-being. The model explained 27% of the variance in depressive symptoms. Conclusions: These findings highlight the protective role of psychological well-being and suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing well-being may help reduce depressive symptoms among mental health professionals in high-stress environments.

Source: Healthcare

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare14020284

Authors: Fatih Bal, Hale A. Kahyaoğlu Çakmakci, İpek Okkay, Gülşen Filazoğlu Çokluk, Melek Süler

Institutions: Sakarya University, Atlas Üniversitesi, Istanbul Topkapi University, Toros University

Language: English

Topic: Stress and Burnout Research

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258