HUMOR IN HEALING: A NOVEL APPROACH TO ADDRESSING BURNOUT THROUGH LAUGHTER YOGA IN PSYCHIATRIC NURSING

Abstract

Nurses face significant stress and demanding situations in their roles, making them highly susceptible to tension, stress, and burnout syndromes. Among nurses, those working in psychiatric units are particularly vulnerable to burnout syndromes. Psychiatric nursing is considered one of the most stressful healthcare occupations due to its unique working environment, which includes locked ward entrances, the potential for patient conflicts leading to physical and mental violence, and the need to restrain patients to ensure safety.

Burnout is a multi-dimensional construct characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished personal competence. It is a common response to chronic exposure to workplace stressors, encompassing feelings of cynicism, inefficacy, and exhaustion. Burnout is not the result of a single factor but rather a combination of factors, making it a complex phenomenon. When there is a significant discrepancy between the nature of the job and the individual performing it, burnout can occur.

Understanding and addressing burnout among psychiatric nurses is crucial for both the well-being of healthcare professionals and the quality of patient care. This study explores the factors contributing to burnout among psychiatric nurses and aims to identify strategies for preventing and managing burnout in this specialized field of nursing.