The Relationship between Burnout Levels and the Quality of Therapeutic Communication among Nurses

Authors

  • Raja Fitrina Lastari Faculty of Nursing, Hang Tuah Pekanbaru University, Riau 28281, Indonesia School of Health and Applied Science, Lincoln University College, Wisma Lincoln, No. 12-18, Jalan SS 6/12, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5301-4367
  • Hafizah Che Hassan School of Health and Applied Science, Lincoln University College, Wisma Lincoln, No. 12-18, Jalan SS 6/12, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0790-9626
  • Gundluru Aruna School of Health and Applied Science, Lincoln University College, Wisma Lincoln, No. 12-18, Jalan SS 6/12, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7593-0128
  • Naufal Septian Faculty of Nursing, Hang Tuah Pekanbaru University, Riau 28281, Indonesia
  • Rani Lisa Indra Faculty of Nursing, Hang Tuah Pekanbaru University, Riau 28281, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0847-7263
  • Susi Erianti Faculty of Nursing, Hang Tuah Pekanbaru University, Riau 28281, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5434-8593
  • Siska Mayang Sari Faculty of Nursing, Hang Tuah Pekanbaru University, Riau 28281, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8791-0688

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31674/mjmr.2026.v010i04.04

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Burnout is a state of severe physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that can decrease individual performance. Therapeutic communication plays an important role in enhancing nurses’ interpersonal skills, while unmanaged burnout may adversely affect the quality of nursing care. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between burnout levels and the quality of therapeutic communication among nurses. Methods: A quantitative study with a descriptive correlational design and cross-sectional approach was conducted. A total of 43 nurses were recruited using total sampling. Data were analysed using frequency distributions and the Spearman rank correlation test. Results: The findings indicated that most respondents were between 31 and 40 years old, with a mean age of 38.09 years and a standard deviation of 7.217. The majority of respondents were female (41 nurses; 95.3%), had a Diploma in Nursing (D3) as their highest educational qualification (23 nurses; 53.5%), were married (37 nurses; 86.0%), and had more than 10 years of work experience (25 nurses; 58.1%). Based on the dimensions of burnout, 46.5% of respondents experienced a low level of emotional exhaustion, 53.5% experienced a low level of depersonalization, and 83.7% demonstrated a high level of personal accomplishment. Statistical analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between burnout levels and the quality of therapeutic communication among nurses (p=0.012, p<0.05). The Spearman rank correlation coefficients were −0.379 for emotional exhaustion, −0.303 for depersonalization, and −0.333 for personal accomplishment. Conclusion: The findings indicate a significant relationship between burnout and therapeutic communication among nurses. Recreational programmes and other workplace activities promoting nurses’ physical and psychological well-being may help manage burnout.

Keywords:

Burnout Level, Nurses, Quality of Therapeutic Communication

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Published

28-10-2026

How to Cite

Lastari, R. F., Hassan, H. C., Aruna, G., Septian, N., Indra, R. L., Erianti, S., & Sari, S. M. (2026). The Relationship between Burnout Levels and the Quality of Therapeutic Communication among Nurses. Malaysian Journal of Medical Research (MJMR), 10(4), 35-43. https://doi.org/10.31674/mjmr.2026.v010i04.04

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