Predicting Occupational Burnout in Clinical Psychologists: The Combined Role of Emotional Intelligence and Self-Compassion

Occupational burnout is one of the fundamental challenges in the psychology profession, accompanied by emotional exhaustion and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. This study was conducted in ۲۰۲۱ with the aim of investigating the relationship between emotional intelligence, self-compassion, and occupational burnout among psychologists. The statistical population included psychologists working in psychology and counseling clinics in Tehran, from which ۱۵۰ individuals were selected using convenience sampling. Data collection tools included the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i), and Neff's Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods and multiple regression analysis with SPSS ۲۵ software. The findings showed that emotional intelligence and self-compassion have a significant negative relationship with occupational burnout. Furthermore, these two variables together were able to predict ۱۲% of the variance in occupational burnout. Based on the results, psychologists with higher emotional intelligence and greater self-compassion were more resilient to the negative effects of occupational burnout. The results of this research emphasize the importance of strengthening emotional intelligence and self-compassion skills in psychologists and can contribute to the design of psychological interventions and educational programs to reduce occupational burnout.

Keywords:

occupational burnout , emotional intelligence , self-compassion , psychologists , mental health