Study on the impact of early maladaptive schemas on professional burnout among dentists in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra Region: microgenetic approach

Abstract

<ns3:p>Burnout is a syndrome resulting from prolonged work-related stress that has not been effectively managed. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between burnout and early maladaptive schemas among dentists in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region of Morocco.Sixty-one individuals participated in this study. The sex ratio was balanced (p = 0.798), with a slight overrepresentation of women (52.5%). The mean age was 33.13 1.29 years (range: 21–62 years), with a median age of 30 years. The sample distribution revealed that 56.5% of participants were under 30 years old. Regarding marital status, 61.3% of the dentists were single. In terms of practice, 90.2% (n = 55) worked in the private sector, while 9.8% (n = 6) worked in the public sector. Participants completed the Self-Perception Inventory (SPI) scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) test to measure professional burnout.The findings indicated that more than 56% of respondents were under 30 years old, with a predominance of single participants. Over 90% of dentists worked in the private sector. A significant association was observed between activated schemas and elevated levels of professional burnout, with positive correlations in the following aspects: Vulnerability Impairment (r = 0.308, p &lt; 0.014), Entitlement (r = 0.324, p &lt; 0.01), Dependency (r = 0.319, p &lt; 0.011), Insufficient Self-Control (r = 0.365, p &lt; 0.003), Mistrust (r = 0.313, p &lt; 0.012), and High Demand (r = 0.362, p &lt; 0.004). These findings highlight the importance of prioritizing the mental health of dentists by implementing effective strategies to prevent and address professional burnout. These efforts would support the delivery of high-quality healthcare services.The findings confirm that activated schemas such as Vulnerability Impairment, Entitlement, Dependency, Insufficient Self-Control, Mistrust, and High Demand are positively correlated with elevated burnout levels. These results underline the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these schemas and enhance mental health support for dentists. By adopting effective strategies for burnout prevention and treatment, healthcare systems can ensure improved service quality and better well-being for professionals in the field.</ns3:p>