Investigating languishing in North American genetic counselors

Often, mental health is considered as a binary of being mentally well or mentally ill. Realistically, mental health exists on a broad spectrum with "flourishing" on one end and "depression" on the other. "Languishing" is the state that lies between the two; it is characterized by a lack of motivation, numbness, decreased productivity, and feeling sluggish or apathetic without veering into clinical depression. Furthermore, languishing is a state that is distinct from burnout and compassion fatigue, despite some overlap in presentation. The term gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and has persisted since. However, to our knowledge, there has been no research on languishing in genetic counselors. Therefore, English-speaking, full-time, North American genetic counselors were solicited through the Minority Genetics Professionals Network (MGPN) and the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) to participate in a study designed to explore factors associated with languishing among genetic counselors. Purposive sampling was used to select interviewees to most effectively represent diverse backgrounds and identities. The guide for the semi-structured interviews included questions that assessed participants' social, emotional, and psychological well-being at their current place of work. Interviews were deductively and inductively coded and then analyzed for themes using a phenomenological framework. Nineteen genetic counselors consented to have their interviews included in the publication of this study. The cohort reported feeling replaceable in their professional role, an appreciation for diversity in the workplace but a concern of being made to feel like an "other," and varying levels of comfort with their life once they achieved their academic goals. Some participants also cited intersectionality as well as personal and professional experiences that contributed to their self-perception and impression of their work community. Results suggest that institutions, leaders, and supervisors would benefit from considering these factors when their genetic counselors present with symptoms indicative of languishing.