title: The emotional wellness of radiology trainees: prevalence and predictors of burnout.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Burnout is a complex phenomenon characterized by emotional exhaustion, social detachment, and feelings of low personal achievement. In this study, we aim to establish the prevalence of burnout among radiology trainees and to explore the factors influencing its development.
  
  
  METHODS
  Survey data were collected from 266 trainee members of the Association of University Radiologists to assess financial status, attitudes toward money and compensation, and burnout symptomology. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze these data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most radiology residents reported high levels of personal achievement but routine symptoms of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Although increasing levels of household debt were correlated with symptoms of depersonalization and lower reported quality of life, we found that the subjective financial experience was a more reliable indicator of emotional well-being. Specifically, higher subjective self-assessments of financial strain were the best predictors of symptoms of depersonalization (P < .0001), emotional exhaustion (P < .0001), and lower self-reported quality of life (P < .0001). Additionally, residents with recent moonlighting activity reported higher levels of personal achievement (P < .05), lower levels of emotional exhaustion (P < .05), and greater quality of life (P < .05) when compared to non-moonlighters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The unique nature of radiology training could mean that traditional assumptions regarding the development of trainee burnout do not necessarily apply. Finances may be an underappreciated influence on resident burnout, and subjective feelings of financial scarcity could outweigh the impact of objective indebtedness. Further study is needed to ensure that the emotional well-being of radiology trainees is optimally supported.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Washington, 1959 Pacific Ave NE, Box 357115, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. mcneeley@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Michael F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: McNeeley
authors.forename: Francisco A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Perez
authors.forename: Felix S
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Chew
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology