Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2025

The Social Dimension of Stress: Experimental Manipulations of Social Support and Social Identity in the Trier Social Stress Test
Published on: November 19, 2015
Protective Effects of Authenticity Against Depression, Suicide, and Burnout among Surgeons
Kyle M Ockerman1, Markos Mardourian2, Sabrina H Han3
1From the University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL (Ockerman).
Background:
Physician burnout and poor mental health are highly prevalent issues within the surgical community. Authenticity, defined as the degree to which individuals align their actions with their true selves, has been identified as a potential factor facilitating positive mental health. This study explores the impact of authenticity on burnout, depression, and suicide among surgeons.
Study Design:
Members of the department of surgery at a large academic medical center were sent an anonymous survey between April and May 2023. The survey evaluated authenticity using Authenticity Scale, depression using Patient Health Questionnaire, burnout using Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, and suicidality using Ask-Suicide Screening Questions (ASQ) tool.
Results:
Of the 170 surgeons, 94 (55.3%) completed the survey. Higher Authentic Living Scores correlated with reduced burnout (r = -0.21, p = 0.047) and depression (r = -0.37, p = 0.0002). Conversely, higher Accepting External Influence (AEI) scores were associated with increased depression (r = 0.23, p = 0.023), and higher Authenticity Self-Alienation (ASA) scores were associated with increased burnout (r = 0.43, p < 0.0001) and depression (r = 0.48, p < 0.0001). Although authenticity domain scores were not significantly associated with ASQ, specific AEI and ASA questions indicated an elevated odds ratio (p = 0.029 and p = 0.010, respectively) of a positive ASQ. Authentic Living Score increased with advancement in professional rank (p = 0.007), whereas AEI (p = 0.0001), ASA (p = 0.003), depression (p = 0.014), and ASQ (p = 0.02) decreased.
Conclusions:
In this study, higher authenticity was associated with a lower likelihood of burnout and depression among surgeons. This study contributes valuable insights into the development of targeted intervention and support mechanisms aimed at promoting authenticity and mental health within the surgical profession.
More Related Videos
09:52Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide
Published on: January 15, 2017
12:22Mindfulness in Motion MIM: An Onsite Mindfulness Based Intervention MBI for Chronically High Stress Work Environments to Increase Resiliency and Work Engagement
Published on: July 1, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Psychosurgery
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
Obedience
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture