Describe the importance of self-care in preventing burnout and impairment of psychologists

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Smith and Moss (2009) write about the importance of self-care to prevent burnout and impairment of psychologists. Their recommendations are applicable to other helping professionals and many other occupational groups as well. As the name implies, self-care means that each individual takes responsibility for using strategies that prevent or minimize burnout and other forms of professional impairment. Some of these approaches are broad and designed to enhance one's emotional well-being such as staying self-aware (e.g., monitoring burn out tendencies), using humor, sharing quality time with friends and family, setting limits and boundaries, engaging in wellness behaviors (exercise, good diet, regular sleep), enjoying leisure activities including taking vacations, and practicing one's spiritual beliefs. Their other approaches focus on occupational strategies such as staying current and informed to maintain or increase professional competencies (e.g., attending professional development workshops), consulting with other professionals on a regular basis (including perhaps a mentor), exercising greater control over one's work environment when appropriate, and maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life.