Presentation Information
[P-16-01]Work Passion as a Protective Factor Against Burnout Among Nurses in Thailand
*Vatanya Chiewvattanakul, Nattha Saisavoey, Sirirat Kooptiwoot, Varaporn Sripirom (Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University(Thailand))
Keywords:
Work passion,Burnout,Nurses
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented psychological and workload-related demands on healthcare workers, particularly nurses. Burnout has emerged as a critical mental health concern. In Thailand, cultural dynamics such as hierarchical organizational culture, spiritual beliefs, and personal identity may shape how nurses maintain psychological well-being. Work passion, reflecting intrinsic motivation and meaningful engagement in one’s profession, may buffer against burnout. However, evidence among Thai nurses remains limited.
Objective
To investigate the relationship between work passion and burnout among nurses and identify key contributing factors.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 363 nurses at Siriraj Hospital, a major public tertiary hospital in Thailand. The survey assessed burnout, work passion, and associated factors across four domains: job-related, organizational, relational, and individual. Chi-square test was used to examine factors associated with burnout and work passion. Spearman’s rank correlation analyses were performed to explore correlation between burnout and work passion.
Results
Burnout rates were highest (20–30%) in surgical, obstetric, and internal medicine units, though department-based differences were not statistically significant. Younger nurses (aged 21–40) reported significantly lower work passion than older counterparts (P < 0.05). High work passion was observed in 36% (ages 21–30), 40% (31–40), compared to 69% (41–50) and 65% (above 51). Nurses with a master’s degree showed significantly higher work passion (73% vs. 45%, P < 0.05). Work passion negatively correlated with burnout (r = –0.296, P < 0.01). Especially autonomy, work-life balance, fairness, collaboration, psychological support, recognition, and spirituality were linked to lower burnout and enhanced passion.
Conclusion
Promoting work passion through supportive organizational practices may mitigate burnout and strengthen resilience among nurses. Targeted interventions—particularly in high-stress departments—should be considered as part of long-term mental health strategies in healthcare systems.
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented psychological and workload-related demands on healthcare workers, particularly nurses. Burnout has emerged as a critical mental health concern. In Thailand, cultural dynamics such as hierarchical organizational culture, spiritual beliefs, and personal identity may shape how nurses maintain psychological well-being. Work passion, reflecting intrinsic motivation and meaningful engagement in one’s profession, may buffer against burnout. However, evidence among Thai nurses remains limited.
Objective
To investigate the relationship between work passion and burnout among nurses and identify key contributing factors.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 363 nurses at Siriraj Hospital, a major public tertiary hospital in Thailand. The survey assessed burnout, work passion, and associated factors across four domains: job-related, organizational, relational, and individual. Chi-square test was used to examine factors associated with burnout and work passion. Spearman’s rank correlation analyses were performed to explore correlation between burnout and work passion.
Results
Burnout rates were highest (20–30%) in surgical, obstetric, and internal medicine units, though department-based differences were not statistically significant. Younger nurses (aged 21–40) reported significantly lower work passion than older counterparts (P < 0.05). High work passion was observed in 36% (ages 21–30), 40% (31–40), compared to 69% (41–50) and 65% (above 51). Nurses with a master’s degree showed significantly higher work passion (73% vs. 45%, P < 0.05). Work passion negatively correlated with burnout (r = –0.296, P < 0.01). Especially autonomy, work-life balance, fairness, collaboration, psychological support, recognition, and spirituality were linked to lower burnout and enhanced passion.
Conclusion
Promoting work passion through supportive organizational practices may mitigate burnout and strengthen resilience among nurses. Targeted interventions—particularly in high-stress departments—should be considered as part of long-term mental health strategies in healthcare systems.