From moral distress to burnout through work-family conflict: the protective role of resilience and positive refocusing
Chiara Bernuzzi, Ilaria Setti, Marina Maffoni, Valentina Sommovigo
Abstract
This study analyses for the first time whether and when moral distress may be related to work-family conflict and burnout. Additionally, this study examines whether resilience and positive refocusing might protect healthcare professionals from the negative effects of moral distress. A total of 153 Italian healthcare professionals completed self-report questionnaires. Simple and moderated mediation models revealed that moral distress was positively related to burnout, directly and indirectly, as mediated by work-family conflict. Highly resilient professionals experienced low work-family conflict, regardless of moral distress levels. Moreover, professionals who frequently used positive refocusing were less vulnerable to burnout following moral distress.