The mediating role of COVID-19-related burden in the association between adverse childhood experiences and emotional exhaustion: results of the egePan - VOICE study

Clemens V, Beschoner P, Jarczok MN, Weimer K, Kempf M, Morawa E, Geiser F, Albus C, Steudte-Schmiedgen S, Guendel H, Fegert JM, Jerg-Bretzke L (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

European Journal of Psychotraumatology Taylor & Francis

Book Volume: 12

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1976441

Abstract

Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase the risk for mental health problems. However, there is a lack of data targeting the role of ACEs for one of the most prevalent mental health problems in health-care professionals: burnout. Objective We aimed to assess the relationship between ACEs and the core burnout dimension 'emotional exhaustion' (EE). As health-care professionals have been facing particular challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, we furthermore aimed to assess the role of COVID-19 associated burden in the interplay between ACEs and EE. Methods During the first lockdown in Germany, a total of 2500 medical healthcare professionals were questioned in a cross-sectional online survey. Questions targeted, among others, sociodemographics, ACEs, COVID-19-associated problems (e.g. increase of workload, worries about relatives and patients) and emotional exhaustion, measured by the respective dimension of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Results In German health-care professionals, ACEs were associated with a higher EE score. The number of experienced ACEs was associated with the majority of assessed COVID-19-associated problems. An increasing number of ACEs predicted higher EE scores, controlling for gender. The association between ACEs and EE was mediated significantly by COVID-19-associated problems. These included maladaptive coping strategies such as increased smoking, drinking and use of antidepressants/tranquilizers, feeling less protected by measures of the employee or the state, a greater feeling of being burdened by COVID-19-associated problems and greater exhaustion and sleep problems. Conclusion Our findings suggest ACEs as significant risk factor for EE in German health-care professionals. The current pandemic means a significant burden that further pronounces this risk.

Authors with CRIS profile

Eva Morawa Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy

Involved external institutions

Universitätsklinikum Bonn DE Germany (DE) Universität Ulm DE Germany (DE) Universität zu Köln DE Germany (DE) Technische Universität Dresden DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Clemens, V., Beschoner, P., Jarczok, M.N., Weimer, K., Kempf, M., Morawa, E.,... Jerg-Bretzke, L. (2021). The mediating role of COVID-19-related burden in the association between adverse childhood experiences and emotional exhaustion: results of the egePan - VOICE study. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2021.1976441

MLA:

Clemens, Vera, et al. "The mediating role of COVID-19-related burden in the association between adverse childhood experiences and emotional exhaustion: results of the egePan - VOICE study." European Journal of Psychotraumatology 12.1 (2021).

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