Association of childhood adversity with burnout, depression in nursing students

Editor's Note

This study from the University of Texas El Paso School of Nursing finds that students who were exposed to a higher number of adverse childhood experiences (eg, abuse, neglect, family dysfunction) had higher levels of burnout and depression.

A survey of 211 students enrolled in the first semester of upper division courses found that the number of adverse childhood experiences was significantly associated with levels of burnout and severity of depressive symptoms.

Female students with a higher number of adverse experiences were more likely to report higher levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization as well as higher depression severity scores compared to males.

Nursing programs should educated faculty on the frequency and range of adverse experiences that students may have had before admission to nursing school and the relationship with burnout and depression, so faculty can provide early information on counseling and support services, the authors say.