Work

Using Hermeneutics to Understand Burnout and Coping Strategies Utilized by Occupational Therapists

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: This research article explores the use of the hermeneutic approach in understanding practice challenges for occupational therapists in the contemporary health care arena. It provides insights into factors that lead to therapist burnout and the strategies they utilize to maintain competent practice. In this mixed methods study, hermeneutics was chosen as the qualitative approach to help understand the meanings occupational therapists ascribe to stressful situations at work and how they cope with those situations. Data was collected by conducting focus groups and semi-structured interviews with seven participants. Demands on time, conflict, lack of respect and autonomy emerged as the main practice issues. Maintaining healthy boundaries, importance of workplace and home community, monitoring self for signs of burnout and focusing on satisfying aspects of work emerged as the major coping strategies employed by the participants.

Source: The Qualitative Report

DOI: 10.46743/2160-3715/2012.1691

Authors: Sangeeta Gupta, Margo Paterson, Claudia von Zweck, Rosemary Lysaght

Institutions: Hotel Dieu Hospital, Queen's University, Queens University, Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists

Language: English

Topic: Stress and Burnout Research

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $500