Emotional exhaustion and workplace belongingness among peer recovery coaches during COVID-19

Abstract

Although peer recovery coaches are a growing sector of the addiction workforce, their work can be emotionally taxing, particularly within the context of concurrent public health crises. This study identifies correlates of emotional exhaustion among peer recovery coaches. Peers working for publicly-funded agencies in Michigan (N = 266) completed a web-based survey. In the multiple linear regression model, working in a rural community, longer tenure, and greater stresses related to COVID-19 were associated with greater emotional exhaustion. Greater workplace belongingness was associated with lower emotional exhaustion. Promoting workplace belongingness may prevent or reduce professional burnout among peer recovery coaches.