Assessment of Anger and Burnout Levels Among Addiction Service Operators in Calabria and Sicily: An Open Trial Study

Background/Objectives: Burnout and anger are prevalent among healthcare professionals in high-stress environments, particularly in addiction services. This study explores the relationship between burnout and anger among 124 operators working in public addiction services (SERD) in Calabria and Sicily. The objective is to assess how different anger dimensions contribute to burnout and identify protective factors that could inform targeted interventions. Methods: The sample consisted of 58 men and 66 women, with a mean age of 39.2 years (SD = 9.8), ranging from 25 to 59 years old. Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), assessing emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. Anger was evaluated through the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2), examining trait anger, state anger, anger expression (anger-in, anger-out), and anger control. A cross-sectional design was used, with correlation and regression analyses controlling for gender and years of service. Results: High levels of burnout, particularly emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, were found. Emotional exhaustion correlated strongly with trait anger, indicating that individuals with a chronic predisposition to anger are more vulnerable to burnout. Suppression of anger (anger-in) significantly predicted depersonalization, exacerbating emotional disengagement from patients. Conversely, anger control acted as a protective factor, helping maintain a sense of personal accomplishment. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of emotional regulation in mitigating burnout among addiction service workers. Interventions such as emotional regulation training and anger management programs could help reduce psychological distress and promote resilience. Workplace strategies that support emotional well-being may improve both staff retention and patient care quality. Further research should explore longitudinal trends and intervention effectiveness.