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Enfermería Clínica (English Edition) Understanding emotional fatigue: A systematic review of causes, consequences, an...
Journal Information
Vol. 35. Issue 5.
(September - October 2025)
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2
Vol. 35. Issue 5.
(September - October 2025)
Original Article
Understanding emotional fatigue: A systematic review of causes, consequences, and coping strategies
Comprender la fatiga emocional: revisión sistemática de sus causas, consecuencias y estrategias de afrontamiento
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2
Sara Diogo Gonçalvesa,b,c,
Corresponding author
sgoncalves@utad.pt

Corresponding author.
, Rita S. Matosa,c
a Academic Clinical Center of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (CACTMAD), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
b School of Health, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
c Local Health Unit of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5050-275 Peso da Régua, Portugal
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Table 1. The search strategy summary.
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Table 2. Systematic review articles (n = 12).
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Abstract

Emotional fatigue, a significant component of burnout, is increasingly recognized as a critical issue affecting healthcare professionals and other high-stress occupations. This systematic review identifies the causes, consequences, and coping strategies associated with emotional fatigue in healthcare workers. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed articles was conducted across multiple databases. The selection criteria focused on studies that explicitly addressed emotional fatigue, its determinants, impacts, and coping mechanisms. The review identified common causes of emotional fatigue, such as prolonged exposure to high-stress environments, lack of social support, and insufficient recovery time. Consequences include decreased job performance, increased absenteeism, and a higher risk of mental health disorders. Coping strategies include mindfulness practices, organizational support, and the implementation of work-life balance interventions. The findings underscore the importance of addressing emotional fatigue through both individual and systemic approaches. While coping strategies can mitigate some effects, organizational changes are essential to create a supportive work environment. Emotional fatigue is a critical issue that requires attention at both the individual and organizational levels.

Keywords:
Emotional fatigue
Hospital
Healthcare professionals
Causes
Consequences
Coping strategies
Resumen

La fatiga emocional, un componente fundamental del agotamiento, se reconoce cada vez más como una cuestión esencial que afecta a los profesionales sanitarios y otras profesiones de alto riesgo. Esta revisión sistemática identifica las causas, consecuencias y estrategias de afrontamiento asociadas a la fatiga emocional en los profesionales sanitarios. Se realizó una búsqueda amplia en artículos revisados por pares en múltiples bases de datos. Los criterios de selección se centraron en los estudios que abordaron explícitamente la fatiga emocional, sus determinantes, impactos, y mecanismos de afrontamiento. La revisión identificó las causas comunes de fatiga emocional, tales como la exposición prolongada a los entornos de alto estrés, la falta de respaldo social, y el tiempo de recuperación insuficiente. Las consecuencias incluyen la reducción del desempeño laboral, el incremento del absentismo, y el mayor riesgo de trastornos de salud mental. Las estrategias de afrontamiento incluyen las prácticas de atención, el respaldo organizativo, y la implementación de intervenciones sobre equilibrio entre trabajo y vida. Los hallazgos destacan la importancia de abordar la fatiga emocional mediante enfoques individuales y sistémicos. A pesar de que las estrategias de afrontamiento pueden mitigar algunos efectos, los cambios organizativos son esenciales para crear un entorno laboral de apoyo. La fatiga emocional es una cuestión esencial, que requiere atención tanto a nivel individual como organizativo.

Palabras clave:
Fatiga emocional
Hospital
Profesionales sanitarios
Causas
Consecuencias
Estrategias de afrontamiento

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