Keywords
Professional
Occupational stress
Adaptation
Psychological
Selfcare
Emotional Intelligence
Categories
How to Cite
Abstract
Objective:
To analyze the evidence on emotional coping strategies among healthcare workers and their relationship with stress, burnout, and self-care and inter-care practices, with an emphasis on midwifery.
Method:
A narrative review with a systematized bibliographic search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar (2019–2025; Spanish, English, and Portuguese). The selection process was documented using a PRISMA-like flow diagram to enhance transparency.
Results:
A total of 45 studies were included, predominantly quantitative and conducted in hospital settings. Overall, the studies reported that active coping, emotional intelligence, and structured group interventions—particularly those based on mindfulness—were associated with lower perceived stress and improved psychological well-being; findings regarding burnout were heterogeneous. Evidence specific to midwifery was limited.
Conclusions:
Emotional coping strategies are relevant to the well-being of healthcare workers. Further research in midwifery is needed, as well as multicomponent evaluations integrating individual, group, and organizational interventions.
References
1. Organización Mundial de la Salud. Burn-out an “occupational phenomenon”: International Classification of Diseases [Internet]. Ginebra: OMS; 2019 [citado 2025 oct 15]. Disponible en: https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases
2. Hodkinson A, Zhou A, Johnson J, Geraghty K, Riley R, Panagopoulou E, et al. Associations of physician burnout with career engagement and quality of patient care: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ [Internet]. 2022 [citado 2025 oct 15];378. doi:10.1136/bmj-2022-070442
3. Maslach C, Schaufeli WB, Leiter MP. Job burnout. Annu Rev Psychol [Internet]. 2001 [citado 2025 oct 15];52:397-422. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.52.1.397
4. Lluch C, Galiana L, Doménech P, Sansó N. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on burnout, compassion fatigue, and compassion satisfaction in healthcare personnel: a systematic review. Healthcare [Internet]. 2022 [citado 2025 oct 15];10(2):364. doi:10.3390/healthcare10020364
5. Ghahramani S, Lankarani KB, Yousefi M, Heydari K, Shahabi S, Azmand S. A systematic review and meta-analysis of burnout among healthcare workers during COVID-19. Front Psychiatry [Internet]. 2021 [citado 2025 oct 15];12:758849. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.758849
6. Strauss C, Gu J, Montero-Marin J, Whittington A, Chapman C, Kuyken W. Reducing stress and promoting well-being in healthcare workers using mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for life. Int J Clin Health Psychol [Internet]. 2021 [citado 2025 oct 15];21(2):100227. doi:10.1016/j.ijchp.2021.100227
7. Desai K, O’Malley P, Van Culin E. Impact of heartfulness meditation practice compared to the gratitude practices on wellbeing and work engagement among healthcare professionals: randomized trial. PLOS ONE [Internet]. 2024 [citado 2025 oct 15];19(6). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0304093
8. Juárez-García A, Camacho-Ávila A, García-Rivas J, Gutiérrez-Ramos O. Psychosocial factors and mental health in Mexican healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Salud Ment [Internet]. 2021 [citado 2025 oct 15];44(5):229-240. doi:10.17711/SM.0185-3325.2021.030
9. Caldichoury-Obando N, Ripoll-Córdoba D, Morales-Asencio B, Ibañez-Reyes S, Flórez Y, Reyes-Cervantes C, et al. Burnout en profesionales sanitarios de América Latina durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Rev Colomb Psiquiatr [Internet]. 2024 [citado 2025 oct 15]. doi:10.1016/j.rcp.2024.04.008
10. Caldichoury N, García-Roncallo P, Saldías C, Zurita B, Castellanos C, Herrera-Pino J, et al. Psychological impact of COVID-19 on health workers during the second year of the pandemic in Latin America: cross-sectional survey study. Rev Colomb Psiquiatr [Internet]. 2023 [citado 2025 oct 15];52(4):259-267. doi:10.1016/j.rcp.2023.04.010
11. Organización Panamericana de la Salud. La salud mental de los trabajadores de la salud en la región de las Américas durante la pandemia de COVID-19 [Internet]. Washington D.C.: OPS; 2022 [citado 2025 oct 15]. Disponible en: https://iris.paho.org/handle/10665.2/55563
12. Cramer E, Hunter B. Relationships between working conditions and emotional wellbeing in midwives. Women Birth [Internet]. 2019 [citado 2025 oct 15];32(6):521-532. doi:10.1016/j.wombi.2018.11.010
13. Galanis P, Katsiroumpa A, Moisoglou I, Kalogeropoulou M, Gallos P, Vraka I. Emotional intelligence protects nurses against quiet quitting, turnover intention, and job burnout. AIMS Public Health [Internet]. 2024 [citado 2025 oct 15];11(2):601-613. doi:10.3934/publichealth.2024030
14. Abbasalizadeh M, Farsi Z, Sajadi SA, Atashi A, Fournier A. The effect of resilience training with mHealth application based on micro-learning method on the stress and anxiety of nurses working in intensive care units: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Med Educ [Internet]. 2024 [citado 2025 oct 15];24:442. doi:10.1186/s12909-024-05427-w
15. Mann A, Fainstad T, Sullivan I, Ritz EM, SooHoo JR, Mechaber HF, et al. Medical students: They’re not just little doctors! Impact of an online group-coaching program on medical student well-being: a randomized clinical trial. PLOS ONE [Internet]. 2025 [citado 2025 oct 15];20(8). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0328546
16. Antico L, Brewer J. Digital Mindfulness Training for Burnout Reduction in Physicians: Clinician-Driven Approach. JMIR Form Res [Internet]. 2025 [citado 2025 oct 15];9. doi:10.2196/63197
17. Antonsen KK, Lyhne JD, Johnsen AT, Eßer-Naumann S, Poulsen LØ, Lund L, et al. Assessing the effect of On-site supportive communication training (On-site SCT) on doctor burnout: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Med Educ [Internet]. 2025 [citado 2025 oct 15];25:112. doi:10.1186/s12909-025-06710-0
18. Avramova N. Burnout and related demographic factors: a pilot study among dentists in Bulgaria, part I. IOSR J Dent Med Sci [Internet]. 2020 [citado 2025 oct 15];19(12):50-55. Disponible en: https://iosrjournals.org/iosr-jdms/papers/Vol19-issue12/Series-2/J1912025055.pdf
19. Bagheri F, Zamani M, Koohpaei A, Mohammadbeigi A. Prevalence of burnout syndrome and its related factors among dentists in Qom Province, Iran. Arch Hyg Sci [Internet]. 2021 [citado 2025 oct 15];10(4):333-340. doi:10.32598/AHS.10.4.232.1
20. Cáceres Rivera DI, Torres CC, López Romero LA. Fatiga por compasión y factores relacionados en enfermeras de cuidados intensivos: un estudio multicéntrico, Colombia. Rev Asoc Esp Med Trab [Internet]. 2021 [citado 2025 oct 15];30(2):142-150. Disponible en: https://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?pid=S3020-11602021000200142&script=sci_arttext
21. Çaynak S, Keser İ, Günbayı İ. Stigma experiences of psychiatric nurses and coping strategies: a qualitative study. Int Arch Nurs Health Care [Internet]. 2021 [citado 2025 oct 15];7:152. doi:10.23937/2469-5823/1510152
22. Cordeiro R, Calha A, Mourão C, Camões F. Stress e estratégias de coping em profissionais de saúde, Portugal. Rev Port Enferm Saúde Mental [Internet]. 2020 [citado 2025 oct 15];(Spe7):9-16. doi:10.19131/rpesm.0241
23. Proctor KA. Impact of a mobile mindfulness-based intervention on burnout and intent to leave among registered nurses in a clinical setting [DNP project] [Internet]. Washington, DC: The George Washington University; 2025 [citado 2025 oct 15]. Disponible en: https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/son_dnp/170/
24. Zhou Y, Guo X, Yin H. A structural equation model of the relationship among occupational stress, coping styles, and mental health of pediatric nurses in China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry [Internet]. 2022 [citado 2025 oct 15];22:416. doi:10.1186/s12888-022-04061-4
25. Alexe D, Bălan E, Rus M. The relationship between stress and the use of humour as a coping mechanism in nurses, Romania. Black Sea J Psychol [Internet]. 2023 [citado 2025 oct 15];14(4):1-8. doi:10.47577/bspsychology.bsjop.v14i4.260
26. Elsheikh M, Nagab AE. Burnout among Egyptian health care workers and its associations. Egypt J Psychiatr [Internet]. 2021 [citado 2025 oct 15];42(1):43-49. doi:10.4103/ejpsy.ejpsy_46_20
27. Fahruddin A, Slametiningsih S, Setyorini D, Gusrina S. Occupational stress levels among Indonesian nurses and midwives in Saudi Arabian healthcare settings: a comparative cross-sectional study. J Ners [Internet]. 2025 [citado 2025 oct 15];20(3):222-228. doi:10.20473/jn.v20i3.63471
28. Omoronyia FR, Oyama LE, Obande EI. Psychiatric nurses’ level of emotional intelligence in a developing country: a survey in neuropsychiatric hospitals in the Niger-Delta region, Nigeria. EAS J Nurs Midwifery [Internet]. 2020 [citado 2025 oct 15];2(3):154-162. doi:10.36349/EASJNM.2020.v02i03.001
29. Fatukasi AO, Akinyoola HI, Fatukasi BM, Oyeleye DI, Adeniyi YE. Factors influencing workplace violence among healthcare workers in State Hospital Oyo. Afr J Health Nurs Midwifery [Internet]. 2025 [citado 2025 oct 15];8(1):77-93. doi:10.52589/AJHNM-MDUMUFR9
30. Furdui V, Leorda A, Baciu A, Bulut O, Ursu L, Croitoru C, et al. Pilot study on psychophysiological characteristics of occupational burnout syndrome among medical specialists, Moldova. J Clin Med Res [Internet]. 2021 [citado 2025 oct 15];2(2):1-11. doi:10.46889/JCMR.2021.2208
31. Utom GE, Salawu RA. Assessment of work-related stress and coping strategies among nurses in selected tertiary hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria. Int J Med Nurs Health Sci [Internet]. 2021 [citado 2025 oct 15];2(2):14-24. doi:10.5281/zenodo.4732386
32. Greville-Harris M, Wezyk A, Thomas K, Keightley S, Summers D, Munir F, et al. Acceptance and commitment therapy-based intervention to improve psychological skills and resilience in surgical trainees: a randomized controlled waitlist trial. BMC Surg [Internet]. 2025 [citado 2025 oct 15];25:315. doi:10.1186/s12893-025-03059-5
33. Wajeeha J, Javed A, Iqbal UJ, Arshad O, Iqbal RJ, Baig MI, et al. Frequency of burnout syndrome among health care providers, Pakistan. Pak J Med Health Sci [Internet]. 2021 [citado 2025 oct 15];15(5):1211-1213. doi:10.53350/pjmhs211551211
34. Fendel JC, Aeschbach VM, Schmidt S, Göritz AS. The impact of a tailored mindfulness-based program for resident physicians on distress and the quality of care: a randomised controlled trial. J Intern Med [Internet]. 2021 [citado 2025 oct 15];290(6):1233-1248. doi:10.1111/joim.13374
35. Lee SJ, Cunningham B, Childers M, Yefimova M, Kim H, Hoffmann T, Lebares C. Efficacy of enhanced stress resilience training for intensive-care unit nurses: a randomized waitlist control trial. Appl Nurs Res [Internet]. 2025 [citado 2025 oct 15];83:151965. doi:10.1016/j.apnr.2025.151965
36. López Encina ME, Vega Vega PA, Carrasco Aldunate P, González Briones X, Abarca González E, Rojo Sánchez L, et al. Estrategias del equipo de salud para afrontar la muerte de niños y adolescentes con cáncer. Rev Cubana Enfermer [Internet]. 2022 [citado 2025 oct 15];38(2). Disponible en: https://revenfermeria.sld.cu/index.php/enf/article/view/4624
37. Odidi L, Oborah HP, Kendi L, Okeyo I, Otedo AEO. Psychological and environmental factors causing stress among nurses at Kisumu County and Referral Hospital, Kenya. Adv Stud Med Sci [Internet]. 2021 [citado 2025 oct 15];9(1):15-23. doi:10.12988/asms.2021.957
38. Meskari M, Akbarfahimi M, Kamali M. The relationship between rehabilitation therapists’ attitudes towards individuals with disabilities and job burnout: an empirical investigation. Funct Disabil J [Internet]. 2023 [citado 2025 oct 15];6(2). doi:10.32598/fdj.6.196.2
39. Monfries N, Sandhu N, Millar K. A smartphone app to reduce burnout in the emergency department: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Workplace Health Saf [Internet]. 2023 [citado 2025 oct 15];71(4):181-187. doi:10.1177/21650799221123261
40. Muriithi JW, Kariuki PW, Wango GM. The relationship between coping strategies and burnout among nurses at Pumwani Maternity Hospital. Asian J Res Nurs Health [Internet]. 2020 [citado 2025 oct 15];3(1):179-191. Disponible en: https://journalajrnh.com/index.php/AJRNH/article/view/35
41. Nabi-Amjad R, Kaviyani S, Sadeghi-Gandomani H. The relationship between job burnout and quality of work life in pre-hospital emergency staff, Iran. J Multidiscip Care [Internet]. 2023 [citado 2025 oct 15];12(4):197-202. doi:10.34172/jmdc.1282
42. Profit J, Cui X, Tawfik D, Adair KC, Sexton JB. “WISER” intervention to reduce healthcare worker burnout: 1 year follow up. J Perinatol [Internet]. 2024 [citado 2025 oct 15];44(12):1719-1723. doi:10.1038/s41372-024-01993-5
43. Purdie DR, Federman M, Chin A, Winston D, Bursch B, Olmstead R, et al. Hybrid delivery of mindfulness meditation and perceived stress in pediatric resident physicians: a randomized clinical trial. J Clin Psychol Med Settings [Internet]. 2023 [citado 2025 oct 15];30(2):425-434. doi:10.1007/s10880-022-09896-3
44. Rębak D, Uniejewska S, Chmielewski J, Król H, Lutomski P, Zięba E, et al. Strategies for coping with stress, emotional control, and occupational burnout among surgical nurses, Poland. Ann Agric Environ Med [Internet]. 2024 [citado 2025 oct 15];31(4):473-478. doi:10.26444/aaem/191821
45. Sántha Á, Lukács Márton R, Vingender I. Burnout and depression in medical assistants in state-owned healthcare institutions in Romania. Acta Univ Sapientiae Soc Anal [Internet]. 2020 [citado 2025 oct 15];10(1):115-138. doi:10.2478/aussoc-2020-0006
46. Alyousef SM, Alhamidi SA. Exploring the value of mindfulness for Saudi Arabian women mental health nurses. Natl Med J India [Internet]. 2021 [citado 2025 oct 15];34(1):19-23. doi:10.4103/0970-258X.323449
47. Shraida AA, Kareem MMA, Skal BM, Kadhumdam H. Assessment of self-care behaviors among nurses: a cross-sectional study. International Journal of Interdisciplinary Nursing Sciences [Internet]. 2025 [citado 2025 oct 15];1(3):1-8. Disponible en: https://matjournals.net/nursing/index.php/IJINS/article/view/451
48. Super A, Yarker J, Lewis R, Keightley S, Summers D, Munir F. Developing self-compassion in healthcare professionals utilizing a brief online intervention: a randomized waitlist control trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health [Internet]. 2024 [citado 2025 oct 15];21(10):1346. doi:10.3390/ijerph21101346
49. Talebiazar N, Anzali BC, Abbasi M, Faraji N, Goli R, Bagheri M, et al. Does mindfulness-based stress reduction training have an impact on occupational burnout and stress experienced by nurses? Int Arch Occup Environ Health [Internet]. 2025 [citado 2025 oct 15];98:1-11. doi:10.1007/s00420-024-02078-8
50. Talebiazar N, Salamat E, Abbasi M, Azizi N, Goli R, Faraji N, et al. The impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction training on the occupational stress and burnout experienced by nurses in geriatric wards: a randomized controlled trial. Geriatr Nurs [Internet]. 2024 [citado 2025 oct 15];58:373-381. doi:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.05.034
51. Taylor H, Cavanagh K, Field AP, Strauss C. Health care workers’ need for Headspace: findings from a multisite definitive randomized controlled trial of an unguided digital mindfulness-based self-help app to reduce healthcare worker stress. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth [Internet]. 2022 [citado 2025 oct 15];10(8). doi:10.2196/31744
52. Wei J, Yao X, Tian S, Qi Y, Song X. Effect of special training method based on breathing meditation training on negative emotions, job burnout and attention in operating room nurses. Altern Ther Health Med [Internet]. 2025 [citado 2025 oct 15];31(4):231-237. Disponible en: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38814605/
53. Ab Aziz WA, Musa KI, Ibrahim MI, Osman Y, Shafei MN. An association between job stress and poor social support among healthcare workers in Northeastern Malaysia. Cureus [Internet]. 2023 [citado 2025 oct 15];15(5). doi:10.7759/cureus.38937
54. Wyche H, Weber A, McNulty T, Anderson EW, Bost JE, Hinds PS, et al. Interventions to promote well-being of nightshift nursing team members. J Pediatr Nurs [Internet]. 2025 [citado 2025 oct 15];81. doi:10.1016/j.pedn.2025.02.008
55. Yap SH, Zainal LNB, Yusoff SZB, Tan XR. Exploring the use of mindfulness for prevention of burnout in allied health professionals in Singapore. Work [Internet]. 2025 [citado 2025 oct 15];81(2):2574-2581. doi:10.1177/10519815241313115
56. Oka Y, Jiroumaru T, Mori K, Nomura S, Kitagawa H, Fujikawa T. Acute effects of a five-minute virtual reality nature microbreak on autonomic function and mood in healthcare workers. Cureus [Internet]. 2025 [citado 2025 oct 15];17(8). doi:10.7759/cureus.90341
57. Yslado Méndez RM, Norabuena Figueroa RP, Sánchez Broncano JD, Norabuena Figueroa ED. Programa de intervención breve para reducir el burnout en profesionales de la salud. Rev Univ Soc [Internet]. 2020 [citado 2025 oct 15];12(5):279-289. Disponible en: https://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2218-36202020000500279
58. Soto-Rubio A, Giménez-Espert MC, Prado-Gascó V. Effect of emotional intelligence and psychosocial risks on burnout, job satisfaction, and nurses’ health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Environ Res Public Health [Internet]. 2020 [citado 2025 oct 15];17(21):7998. doi:10.3390/ijerph17217998
59. Peters MDJ, Godfrey C, McInerney P, Munn Z, Tricco AC, Khalil H. Chapter 11: Scoping reviews. En: Aromataris E, Munn Z, editores. JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis [Internet]. Adelaide: JBI; 2020 [citado 2025 oct 15]. doi:10.46658/JBIMES-20-12
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2026 Matrón Jorge A. Devia Castro, Martina Retamal Inostroza, Alexandra Espinoza Andino, Paulina Castillo del Rio, Nataly Ortega Troncoso, Vanessa Darlas Muñoz