Subjective well-being among psychotherapists during the coronavirus disease pandemic: A cross-cultural survey from 12 European countries

Van Hoy, A; Rzeszutek, M; Pieta, M; Rodríguez -Mora, J; Midgley, N; Omylinska-Thurston, J; Dopierala, A; Falkenstrom, F; Ferlin, J; Gergov, V; Lazic, M; Ulberg, R; Rossberg, JI; Hancheva, C; Stoyanoya, S; Schmidt, S; Podina, I; Ferriera, N; Kagialis, A; Loffler-Stastka, H; Gruszczyńska, E

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study to examine the amount of the total variance of the subjective well-being (SWB) of psychotherapists from 12 European countries explained by between-country vs. between-person differences regarding its cognitive (life satisfaction) and affective components (positive affect [PA] and negative affect [NA]). Second, we explored a link between the SWB and their personal (self-efficacy) and social resources (social support) after controlling for sociodemographics, work characteristics, and COVID-19-related distress.

Methods
In total, 2915 psychotherapists from 12 countries (Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Finland, Great Britain, Serbia, Spain, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, and Switzerland) participated in this study. The participants completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form (I-PANAS-SF), the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.

Results
Cognitive well-being (CWB; satisfaction with life) was a more country-dependent component of SWB than affective well-being (AWB). Consequently, at the individual level, significant correlates were found only for AWB but not for CWB. Higher AWB was linked to being female, older age, higher weekly workload, and lower COVID-19-related distress. Self-efficacy and social support explained AWB only, including their main effects and the moderating effect of self-efficacy.

Conclusions
The results highlight more individual characteristics of AWB compared to CWB, with a more critical role of low self-efficacy for the link between social support and PA rather than NA. This finding suggests the need for greater self-care among psychotherapists with regard to their AWB and the more complex conditions underlying their CWB.

Citation

Van Hoy, A., Rzeszutek, M., Pieta, M., Rodríguez -Mora, J., Midgley, N., Omylinska-Thurston, J., …Gruszczyńska, E. (2022). Subjective well-being among psychotherapists during the coronavirus disease pandemic: A cross-cultural survey from 12 European countries. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 154, 315-323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.07.065

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 29, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Aug 17, 2022
• Publication Date: Aug 17, 2022
• Deposit Date: Aug 22, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 26, 2022
• Journal: Journal of Psychiatric Research
• Print ISSN: 0022-3956
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Volume: 154
• Pages: 315-323
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.07.065
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.07.065
• Additional Information: Funders : This project has received funding from the New Ideas of POB V project implemented within the scope of the “Excellence Initiative - Research University” Program, by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in Poland (number PSP: 501-D125-20-5004310).