When perceived physician burnout leads to family burnout: How secondary emotional trauma impacts physician spouses

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of perceived physician burnout on psychological distress (anxiety, depression, and secondary traumatic stress) in physician spouses. Two-hundred and three physician spouses participated in the study between April and May 2021. Physician spouses completed a burnout measure on behalf of their physician partner, and psychological distress measures for themselves. Results showed perceived physician burnout was positively correlated with anxiety (r = 0.24), depression (r = 0.13), and secondary traumatic stress (r = 0.14) in physician spouses. A covariate analysis including eight demographic variables did not significantly contribute to the relationship between perceived physician burnout and psychological distress in physician spouses. Moderation analyses showed no significant interactions when the personality trait agreeableness, total score on a resiliency questionnaire, and compassion fatigue were included as moderators in the relationship between perceived physician burnout and psychological distress in physician spouses. These findings indicate that physician spouses experience secondary psychological distress when they believe their partner (the physician) is experiencing burnout, emphasizing the need for mental health support during medical training.