The Relationship Between Health Anxiety, Psychological Resilience, and Burnout Among Healthcare Workers in Enclosed Environments

Abstract

Purpose – This study aimed to examine whether health anxiety, burnout, and psychological resilience levels of healthcare professionals working in closed environments differ according to demographic variables (gender, age, education level, professional branch, and years of experience) and to investigate the relationships among these variables.
Design/methodology/approach – The research was conducted using a single-center cross-sectional and correlational survey design. The sample consisted of 348 healthcare professionals employed at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Hospital. Data were collected using a Demographic Information Form, the Short Health Anxiety Inventory, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and the Adult Psychological Resilience Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analyses were performed.
Results – Health anxiety differed significantly across all demographic variables. Higher health anxiety levels were observed among males, individuals aged 30–39, associate/bachelor degree holders, employees with 11–15 years of professional experience, and those in administrative positions. Psychological resilience differed by gender and professional branch, with higher levels among nurses/midwives and lower levels among healthcare administrators. Burnout differed only by professional branch and was highest among administrators. Psychological resilience was negatively correlated with health anxiety and burnout, while health anxiety was positively correlated with burnout.
Discussion – The findings indicate that psychological resilience functions as a protective factor against health anxiety and burnout among healthcare professionals. However, generally small effect sizes suggest limited practical impact. Institutional support systems and resilience-enhancing interventions are recommended.