The impact of age on burnout and secondary traumatic stress: Examining the moderating roles of detachment and work hours among mental health professionals serving war refugees in Pakistan

Background: With ongoing conflicts worldwide, the refugee crisis has escalated into a global humanitarian crisis, straining mental health professionals supporting war refugees. Growing demands and the emotional toll of witnessing trauma of the survivors of war highlight the need for research to better equip these professionals. Aims: This study examines influence of age on burnout and secondary traumatic stress (STS) among 103 mental health professionals working with war refugees in Pakistan, focusing on the moderating roles of detachment and work hours. Method: In this cross-sectional study, 103 mental health professionals completed the Professional Quality of Life Scale, Experiences Questionnaire, and Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale. Regression, moderation, and mediation analyses were conducted using SPSS PROCESS macro. Results: Increased work hours intensified the burnout–STS relationship, while detachment served as a protective factor by moderating this relationship rather than directly predicting STS. Additionally, burnout mediated the relationship between age and STS, with older professionals reporting lower burnout and, in turn, lower STS symptoms. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of addressing burnout in efforts to reduce STS among refugee-serving professionals and suggest that fostering detachment and managing work hours may provide protective benefits.