title: The psychological health of emergency physicians in Australasia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the psychological health of ACEM Fellows and the important factors that impact on this health.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional, mail survey utilizing validated psychological instruments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three hundred and twenty-three (63.5%) of 510 physicians responded. Most were recently graduated males. Compared to a general population sample, their psychological health was good with greater optimism and mastery (P < 0.001), less anxiety, depression and physical symptoms (P < 0.001), better life satisfaction (P = 0.04) and similar perceived stress (P = 0.20). The mean work stress score (1 = low, 10 = high) was 5.6 +/- 2.1 (moderate stress) although 63 (19.5%) had very high scores (8-10). The mean work satisfaction score was 6.3 +/- 2.1 (moderate satisfaction) although 43 (13.3%) had very low scores (1-3). Perceptions of control over hours worked and mix of professional activities were positively associated with work and life satisfaction (P < 0.001) and negatively associated with work stress and measures of wellbeing (P < 0.001). Most employed adaptive coping strategies. However, maladaptive strategies (alcohol/drugs, denial, disengagement) were positively associated with anxiety, depression and stress (P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most physicians are psychologically healthy. However, there appears to be a subgroup that is not thriving. Workplace stress should be addressed promptly and greater flexibility provided over hours worked and mix of professional activities.
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Grattan Street, Parkville, Vic. 3050, Australia. david.taylor@mh.org.au
authors.forename: David McD
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Julie F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Pallant
authors.forename: Heather D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Crook
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Cameron
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D044362:Australasia; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004635:Emergency Medicine; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016526:Workload; D017132:Workplace / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology