The Relationship between Personality Traits and Early Maladaptive Schemas and Burnout in Addiction Therapists

Addiction treatment centers play a key role in the treatment and rehabilitation of substance dependents. In these centers, the treatment team includes physician, psychiatrist, nurse, psychologist and social worker. Due to the recurrent nature of addiction and the problems of these patients, this team is exposed to the risk of burnout. This study aimed to determine the relationship between personality traits and early maladaptive schemas with burnout in addiction therapists.

This descriptive and correlation study was conducted on 210 addiction therapists working in addiction treatment centers in North Khorasan selected through convenience method. For this purpose, the Maslash's burnout, NEO personality traits and Young's early maladaptive schemas questionnaires were used. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used to determine the relationship between the variables.

The mean age of the participants was 35 years old. There was a significant negative correlation between personality traits, extraversion and flexibility with emotional exhaustion. Also a significant negative correlation between neuroticism and personal competence was found. There was a positive and significant correlation between extraversion and personal competence. A significant positive correlation between the early maladaptive schemas, rejection and hyper vigilance with emotional exhaustion was found.

Some personality traits and maladaptive schemas can predict burnout in therapists. These therapists seem to need investigation and consulting interventions.