The moderating role of cognitive reappraisal on the relationship between driving anger and patient/work-related burnout among healthcare professionals

Abstract Objectives The impact of the emotional regulation and psychological status of healthcare professionals on their ability to provide high-quality care to their patients is a priority for research and practice. This study aimed to examine the moderating role of cognitive reappraisal on the relationship between driving anger and work-and patient-related burnout. Methods Using a cross-sectional predictive design, 316 nurses, physicians, and dentists were recruited using a convenience sampling approach. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS v.27. Results The analysis showed that healthcare professionals are experiencing moderate levels of driving anger, anger feelings and impulses, cognitive reappraisals, and work- and patient-related burnout. Driving anger was significantly associated with work- and patient-related burnout and angry feelings (p < .05). However, cognitive reappraisals did not moderate the relationship between driving anger and work-related burnout (Interaction: DA x CR, β = 0.112, p = .198), nor patient-related burnout (Interaction: DA x CR, β = 0.096, p = .256). Conclusion The findings suggest that healthcare professionals appear to remain capable of fulfilling their professional roles and responsibilities and that they are able to manage driving-related anger effectively before it influences their professional attitudes and behaviors.