Psychologists’ Well-Being, Stressors, and Practices in Academic Health Centers: A Peri-Pandemic Update

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic strained healthcare systems and professionals. Psychologists were not immune from these effects. This study examined stressors, well-being, and the roles of psychologists in academic health centers during the second year of the pandemic. Members of the Association of Psychologists in Academic Health Centers (APAHC) completed a survey addressing burnout, work capacity, stress, career satisfaction, sources of professional stress, and changes in practices. Items were compared with the 2017 APAHC Membership Survey. Compared to 2017, the 2021 respondents reported increased stress and burnout, as well as diminished work capacity, without decreased career satisfaction. Additionally, the number of professional stressors endorsed by the majority of respondents increased from four stressors in 2017 and seven in 2021 when retrospectively reporting prior to March 2020, to thirteen stressors in post-March 2020 reporting. In 2021, burnout was associated with greater overall stress, perceived faculty stress, fewer hours for relaxation or to pursue enjoyable activities, more non-billable clinical hours, and time spent on non-clinical consultation. Higher stress levels and fewer hours for relaxation were associated with being overextended in one’s work capacity. These findings may inform well-being initiatives for psychologists in academic health centers and highlight the imperative for well-being for psychologists.