Work-related stressors and suicidal ideation: The mediating role of burnout

Background: While epidemiological studies demonstrate that the risk of suicide is determined by several individual factors, research analyzing the relationships between suicidal ideation, work-related conditions and burnout are limited. Aims: Therefore, the aim of the present study was to better understand the relationship between work-related stressors, burnout and suicidal ideation by exploring the mediating role of burnout between these variables. More specifically, our first hypothesis suggested that burnout is positively associated with suicidal ideation. Secondly, we suggested that work-related stressors are positively related to burnout and suicidal ideation. Finally, our third hypothesis aimed to investigate to what extend burnout mediates the relationship between work-related stressors and suicidal ideation. Methods: The study was conducted with a sample of 490 veterinarians, a professional group that presents high rates of burnout and suicide in comparison to the general population. Seven of their specific work-related stressors were taken into account (workload, emotional demands, issues with clients, issues with coworkers, financial worries, negative work-home interactions and having high responsibilities) and measured with the Veterinary Stressors Inventory (VSI). Burnout was assessed with the Maslasch Burnout Inventory-General Suvey (MBI-GS), and three items measured suicidal ideations. Results: Correlations analyses indicated significant associations between work-related stressors, burnout and suicidal ideation. Structural equation modeling indicated good fit for models suggesting that burnout mediated the relationship between work-related stressors and suicidal ideation. Thus, results contribute to the literature by underlining the role of burnout induced by work-related stressors, which offers a better understanding of suicidal ideation.