Abstract

Objective

Prior research on the relation between empathy and burnout in social professions appears to be inconsistent. Whereas some studies have claimed that empathy functions as a buffer against burnout, others have argued that empathy contributes to the development of burnout. One explanation for this disparity may be methodological as most studies have relied on cross-sectional single-measure designs. To examine their cross-sectional and longitudinal associations, the present study analyzed cross-lagged data of several measures of empathy and burnout.

Design

Data from two longitudinal studies with three to twelve months between measurements were analyzed. The samples contained 172 nursing students and 186 nurses, respectively.

Main Outcome Measures

Empathy was assessed using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire, the Geneva Emotion Recognition Test, and the Social Mindfulness Test Paradigm. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Irritation Scale, and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory.

Results

Results showed significant cross-sectional correlations between the questionnaire measures of empathy and burnout. However, there was insufficient support for the cross-lagged associations.

Conclusions

Associations between empathy and burnout may be attributed to the methodological limitations of cross-sectional designs. However, the influence of potential moderators is discussed as a promising direction of future research.

中文翻译：

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同理心的风险：同理心和倦怠之间的纵向关联

摘要

客观的

先前关于社会职业中同理心和倦怠之间关系的研究似乎不一致。虽然一些研究声称同理心可以作为倦怠的缓冲剂，但其他人则认为同理心有助于倦怠的发展。对这种差异的一种解释可能是方法论，因为大多数研究都依赖于横截面单一测量设计。为了检查它们的横截面和纵向关联，本研究分析了几种移情和倦怠测量的交叉滞后数据。

设计

分析了两次纵向研究的数据，测量间隔为 3 到 12 个月。样本分别包含 172 名护生和 186 名护士。

主要观察指标

移情使用人际反应指数、多伦多移情问卷、日内瓦情绪识别测试和社会正念测试范式进行评估。使用 Maslach 倦怠量表、刺激量表和哥本哈根倦怠量表评估倦怠。

结果

结果显示，问卷调查的同理心和倦怠之间存在显着的横截面相关性。然而，对交叉滞后关联的支持不足。

结论

同理心和倦怠之间的关联可能归因于横截面设计的方法学限制。然而，潜在调节剂的影响被认为是未来研究的一个有希望的方向。