A mixed‐method exploration of mental toughness, perceived stress and quality of life in mental health workers

Abstract

Accessible SummaryWhat is Known on the Subject? Staff working with other people's mental health are in more danger of experiencing high stress at work. These members of staff are more likely to have mental health problems themselves. Previous research has suggested that training these members of staff to deal with their daily stress and become mentally tougher can protect them. What this Paper Adds to Existing Knowledge? The findings showed that higher levels of perceived stress and reduced quality of life in mental health workers were related to lower levels of mental toughness. This research provides a detailed understanding of the current issues experienced in a range of different mental health settings, which may contribute to stress and quality of life. The research highlights the importance of protecting staff mental wellbeing, controlling and reducing levels of stress and suggests that one route to doing this is improving mental toughness. What are the Implications for Practice? These findings suggest a need to increase the awareness of and further protect the mental health of staff working in the mentioned settings. Staff working in mental health settings should be provided with information about how to enhance mental toughness and how to reduce stress. This will lead to a better quality of life for mental health staff and in turn improve the quality of care provided. AbstractIntroductionClinicians working in mental health services are at increased risk of stress at work. Previous work suggests that mental toughness is a protective mechanism for stress in other professions. This has not yet been examined in mental health workers.Aim/QuestionTo examine whether mental toughness predicts perceived stress and quality of life in mental health workers, to develop an understanding of the factors contributing to and techniques used to deal with stress in this population.MethodSixty‐two workers completed measures of mental toughness, perceived stress, quality of life and answered questions regarding their personal experience of stress at work.ResultsMental toughness was a predictor of stress (F(7, 54) = 10.58, p < .001) and quality of life (F(6, 55) = 7.58, p < .001, F(7, 54) = 7.15, p < .001 and F(7, 54) = 6.81, p < .001, for compassion satisfaction, burnout and secondary traumatic stress, respectively), with particular roles for the interpersonal confidence and control of life components. Qualitative analysis revealed sources of stress for health workers and a variety of stress management techniques to cope with workplace stress. The findings suggested that mental toughness develops in some but not all health workers due to the demands of their role.DiscussionThe findings provide an insight into stress, quality of life and protective factors for stress in mental health workers and suggest that future research should consider mental toughness training in mental health workers.Implications for PracticeThere is a need to increase the awareness of factors contributing to stress in mental health workers, such as a lack of resources and staff, and to promote organizational change to improve their professional quality of life. Future research should also explore the potential of mental toughness training in this population.