Burnout, Coping Strategies, and Psychological Well-Being Among Mental Healthcare Professionals in Sri Lanka: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Mental healthcare professionals (MHPs) are particularly vulnerable to occupational stress, which can result in burnout and reduced psychological well-being. While burnout has been extensively studied globally, there is limited evidence from Sri Lanka, where healthcare system constraints and cultural factors may uniquely influence stress and coping. This study aimed to assess burnout, coping strategies, and psychological well-being among MHPs in Sri Lanka and examine associations with sociodemographic and occupational factors.Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 152 full-time mental healthcare professionals (MHPs), including psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists, and nurses. Participants completed standardized self-report measures, including the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT), Brief COPE Inventory, and Psychological Well-Being Scale. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sample characteristics and study variables. Group differences were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis H tests, associations were examined using Spearman’s rank correlation, and multiple linear regression was performed to identify sociodemographic and occupational predictors of burnout.Results: Burnout levels differed significantly across professional groups (H (4) = 112.03, p < .001), with counsellors exhibiting the highest and psychiatrists the lowest levels. Coping strategies also varied by profession, with nurses demonstrating the highest use of problem-focused and emotion-focused coping, and psychotherapists showing elevated avoidant coping. Psychological well-being scores varied across domains, with psychiatrists generally exhibiting higher personal growth, positive relations, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. Regression analysis indicated that gender, civil status, income, number of dependents, working hours, and patient load were significant predictors of burnout (Adjusted R² = 0.739), while age was not. Unexpectedly, higher patient load was negatively associated with burnout, suggesting potential data or measurement inconsistencies.Conclusion: Burnout, coping strategies, and psychological well-being among Sri Lankan MHPs are influenced by professional role and sociodemographic factors. Counsellors are particularly vulnerable, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to enhance adaptive coping, reduce occupational strain, and promote psychological well-being. These findings provide critical insights for developing context-specific strategies to support the mental health workforce and ensure high-quality mental healthcare delivery.