The Hidden Struggle: How Brazilian Psychologists Balance Helping Others While Caring for Themselves
A comprehensive study involving over 600 Brazilian psychologists has revealed concerning levels of workplace stress and emotional exhaustion among mental health professionals, while also highlighting their resilience and continued dedication to their work.
The Study's Scope
Researchers from Centro Universitário Faculdade de Medicina do ABC examined the work lives of 610 psychologists across Brazil during 2020. The timing proved significant, as data collection occurred during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic when mental health services were in particularly high demand.
The study participants represented diverse areas of psychology, including clinical practice, educational psychology, organizational consulting, and social services. Most were women (87%), and many worked multiple jobs or were self-employed, reflecting the varied nature of psychology careers in Brazil.
Troubling Signs of Professional Burnout
The findings revealed that a substantial majority of participants showed signs of burnout, a condition characterized by emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced sense of personal accomplishment. Specifically, 79% of psychologists reported moderate to high levels of emotional exhaustion, while about 60% exhibited signs of depersonalization, where professionals become emotionally detached from their clients.
These numbers exceed what previous international studies have found among psychologists, suggesting that Brazilian mental health professionals may face unique challenges or particularly demanding work conditions.
The Paradox of Professional Satisfaction
Despite these concerning burnout levels, the study uncovered an interesting paradox. While psychologists showed high rates of emotional exhaustion, 43% still reported strong feelings of professional accomplishment. This suggests that even when feeling drained, many psychologists continue to find meaning and satisfaction in their ability to help others.
Additionally, 76% of participants expressed overall satisfaction with their lives, a figure that researchers found surprisingly positive given the timing during the pandemic and the high burnout rates.
What Affects Work Quality
The researchers developed and validated a tool specifically for Brazilian professionals to measure work-related quality of life. This tool identified three key areas that impact how psychologists experience their work environment:
Work-related wellbeing encompasses how professionals feel about their daily work experience, including stress levels and general satisfaction with their role.
Job and career satisfaction reflects feelings about career advancement opportunities and professional growth.
Work environment covers physical working conditions, organizational support, and workplace relationships.
The study found strong connections between these factors and both life satisfaction and burnout levels. Psychologists who reported better work environments and greater work-related wellbeing were more likely to have higher life satisfaction and lower burnout symptoms.
Self-Employment as a Double-Edged Sword
An interesting finding emerged regarding employment status. Many of the psychologists in the study were self-employed or worked as independent contractors rather than as full-time employees of institutions. This employment pattern appeared to affect how certain workplace factors influenced their overall experience.
Traditional workplace concerns like supervisor relationships and institutional policies seemed less relevant for self-employed psychologists, who had more control over their work schedules and client relationships. However, this independence also meant less institutional support and potentially more financial uncertainty.
The Mental Health of Mental Health Providers
The study revealed concerning statistics about the psychological wellbeing of these professionals. Over half (55%) were receiving psychotherapy themselves, nearly 45% had been diagnosed with anxiety disorders, and about 27% had depression diagnoses. Additionally, almost 19% had taken time off work due to emotional distress.
These figures highlight that those who dedicate their careers to helping others with mental health challenges are themselves vulnerable to similar struggles.
Implications for the Field
The research suggests several important considerations for the psychology profession. The high levels of emotional exhaustion, combined with continued professional dedication, indicate that many psychologists may be pushing themselves beyond healthy limits in their commitment to helping others.
The study authors suggest that psychology training programs could benefit from greater emphasis on self-care strategies, stress management, and maintaining healthy work-life boundaries. They also recommend ongoing professional development focused on preventing burnout throughout psychologists' careers.
While the study painted a complex picture of challenges facing Brazilian psychologists, it also demonstrated their resilience and continued commitment to their profession. The validation of tools to measure work-related quality of life provides a foundation for future research and intervention efforts.
Understanding these patterns is crucial not only for the wellbeing of mental health professionals but also for ensuring quality care for the millions of people who rely on psychological services. When psychologists are struggling with their own mental health and workplace stress, it inevitably affects their ability to provide optimal care to their clients.
The research underscores the need for professional organizations, employers, and policymakers to pay greater attention to supporting the mental health and working conditions of those who dedicate their careers to psychological care. This includes addressing structural issues that contribute to burnout while recognizing and supporting the meaningful work that keeps many professionals engaged despite significant challenges.
Santana Ferreira, S. M. D., & Zaia, V. (2025). Burnout, life satisfaction, and work-related quality of life among psychologists. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1532333.
