1. Introduction

The legal profession is one of the primary independent professions that, alongside the judiciary, plays a crucial role in achieving justice [1–3] and ensuring the rule of law [4, 5]. The importance of the legal profession and the work of lawyers is not limited to providing their clients with legal advice, but also involves playing an essential, and rather noble role in access to justice, protecting the rights of individuals [6], improving and changing the law and legal rules [7, 8], and even supporting social justice movements [9, 10], and the transformative movement of democracy and equality [8, 11]. This noble mission has been confirmed by Palestinian laws and codes that regulate the legal profession and legal practice [12]. For example, Article (2) of Law No. (3) for the Year 1999 on Regulating Legal Practice, 1999, [13] described the legal profession and advocacy as, “a free profession that assists the judiciary in achieving justice, sustaining the rule of law and ensuring the right to defend the freedoms and rights of citizens”. Furthermore, lawyers and their role has been defined, under Article (2) of the Code of Ethics for the Legal Profession issued by the Palestinian Bar Association (PBA), to include “protectors of rights and defenders of public freedoms, the rule of law, the supremacy of the constitution, the inviolability of the judiciary, the independence of the judiciary, and defenders of national and international justice” [14].

Since the formation of the Palestinian Authority in 1994, the legal profession has received special attention from Palestinian legislator [15]. Lawyers’ practices and conduct are governed by Palestinian Legal Profession Laws issued by the Palestine Legislative Council, Law No. (3) for the Year 1999 on Regulating Legal Practice [13] and Law No. (5) for the Year 1999 on Amendment to the Law on Regulating Legal Practice, [16] or the Palestinian President Decree No. (14) of 2011 [17]. These regulations are complemented by bylaws adopted by the General Assembly of the Palestinian Bar Association P.B.A., of 2000, [18] collectively covering aspects like PBS membership, apprenticeship, qualifications, rights, obligations, ethics, and grievance procedures. To elaborate, in 1997, former Palestinian President Yasser Arafat issued Decree No. 78, establishing for the first time a historic unification of Palestinian lawyers [19]. This decree laid the foundation for the legal profession’s regulation, followed by the issuance of Law No. (3) for the Year 1999 on Regulating Legal Practice by the Palestinian Legislative Council. This law, initially named Regular Lawyers Law No. (3) for the Year 1999, underwent an amendment with Law No. (5) for the Year 1999. Additionally, the Palestinian Bar Association (PBA) adopted the "Lawyers’ Ethics Regulations of 2016" to govern ethical standards in the legal profession [14].

These legal frameworks set forth a structured process for a person to become a practicing lawyer in Palestine. Article (3) of the Law No. (3) on Regulating Legal Practice, 1999 [13] outlines the successive steps, including obtaining a law degree from a recognized university, residency in Palestine, good moral standing, absence of convictions for moral crimes, registration as a trainee lawyer with the Palestinian Bar Association, and completion of legal profession training as specified in the law [20]. Additionally, lawyers in Palestine, just as with most other lawyers in the world [6], are bound by a set of obligations and responsibilities towards the honor of the profession, their clients, and their colleagues. These sets of duties and obligations are primarily regulated in Palestine by the Lawyers’ Ethics Regulations 2016, “the Code of Ethics” [14] and the Law No. (3) for the Year 1999 on Regulating Legal Practice, 1999 [13]. The PBA’s primary focus has been on establishing and upholding a professional code of ethics and addressing occupational concerns [21]. It manages all complaints related to a lawyer’s unprofessional or unethical behavior through its Disciplinary Council. If convicted, the Bar Council may impose penalties such as issuing notifications, reprimands, suspending legal practice for a maximum of five years, or permanently revoking the law license. Any suspension or expulsion from legal practice can be contested in the High Court of Justice.

These regulations are outlined in Articles 33 and 34 of Law No. 3 for the Year 1999, emphasizing the need for lawyers to be aware of and adhere to professional laws and bylaws, prioritizing sincerity, honesty, and dedication to their work [6]. These obligations extend beyond safeguarding clients’ rights to include serving their best interests [22]. Additionally, they require lawyers to maintain a positive image of the profession and competently practice the skills necessary to defend citizens’ rights while upholding ethical standards and preserving professional honor. Article 18 of the Lawyers’ Ethics Regulations of 2016 prohibits lawyers from engaging in any conduct prohibited by Palestinian legislation, either directly or indirectly. Lawyers are also forbidden from accepting employment in other sectors or holding government positions concurrently with their legal practice [14]. Furthermore, Articles 4–20 of the Lawyers’ Ethics Regulations of 2016 forbid lawyers from accepting power of attorney in cases involving conflicts of interest. Lawyers must avoid actions that could harm the public image of their profession, such as soliciting clients, advertising their services, insulting colleagues, breaching client confidentiality, pleading against their clients, or delegating representation without approval [14].

Given the significant role and mission required of lawyers, as well as their efforts to accomplish the challenging tasks imposed on them, their profession can naturally be considered one of the most difficult and stressful. It exposes practitioners to considerable pressure and a heavy burden that must be carried throughout their working lives [23]. Striving to balance professional duties with personal and family commitments becomes a complex challenge, impacting their daily lives [24]. Lawyers also contend with difficult individuals, negative social perceptions, heavy workloads, and challenges to society’s trust in their profession, all of which can influence their performance, decision-making, and relationships [25, 26].

In Palestine, lawyers face additional challenges related to competition within the legal field, exacerbated by a surge in law graduates that has led to widespread unemployment and income disparities [27]. Despite these issues, there are no statistics or substantive research examining the psychological and emotional aspects of the legal profession in Palestine, such as the impact of the profession on lawyers’ mental health, the psychological burnout they experience, or the continuity or interruption of their desire to remain in the profession. The effects on mental health, psychological burnout, and the sustainability of a lawyer’s career remain largely unexplored. Given the immense responsibility, workplace pressure, and limited support, lawyers’ psychological well-being is often negatively impacted [26, 28], underscoring the importance of studying these psychological effects. It has been noted that burnout levels among lawyers are influenced by their workload and the degree of control they have over their work decisions. An increased workload contributes to higher burnout, whereas having more control over decision-making helps to mitigate it [29].

To the best of our knowledge, while much research has been conducted on the topic of burnout, there is limited research on the relationship between burnout and resilience among lawyers [30, 31]. However, the relationship between resilience, burnout, and the continuance intention to remain in the legal profession has not been thoroughly examined and warrants further investigation. To bridge this gap, this study employs a quantitative approach to achieve its objectives. This approach focuses on collecting numerical data using a survey tool, allowing the researcher to investigate the relationships among the factors that influence lawyers to continue working in the legal profession based on their psychological makeup.

Accordingly, this research aims to examine the extent to which the mental health of lawyers is affected by the duties and burdens imposed on them by their profession. It also seeks to explore the relationship between resilience and burnout among lawyers in Palestine, in order to provide accurate conclusions regarding the improvement of their well-being. To achieve these objectives, the following research questions guided the study:

1. How does the legal profession impact the mental health of lawyers, and what are the key factors contributing to burnout and other mental health issues in this field?
2. What measures can be taken to reduce the risk of burnout among lawyers and promote their resilience and well-being?

To address these questions, the article is divided into two main sections. The first section provides a literature review on the relationship between resilience, burnout, and continuance intention among lawyers in Palestine, while the second section introduces the methodology used and presents the results of the study.

2. Literature review

As noted earlier, the legal profession imposes significant challenges on lawyers, including time constraints, heavy workloads, intense competition, the need to stay current with diverse legal issues, and the delicate task of balancing personal and professional commitments [32, 33]. Lawyers regularly encounter complex situations characterized by role conflicts, ambiguity, and inconsistency. Notably, courtroom appearances require a delicate balance between the ethical duty to disclose relevant legal authorities, even if detrimental to the client’s position, and the necessity to withhold evidence that may harm the client’s case [34, 35]. These challenges underscore the multifaceted demands and ethical dilemmas inherent in legal practice.

This careful analysis of what should or should not be revealed before the judge can be crucial to the outcome of a case, putting significant pressure on lawyers to carefully consider what they say or present in court [36, 37]. Additionally, lawyers, like any other professionals, face civil liability if their actions or inactions cause harm to a client and are deemed negligent [38]. They may also face disciplinary proceedings if a client files a complaint with the Bar Association for legal malpractice or unethical behavior [39]. If a court or the Bar Association rules against a lawyer, they could be subject to remedies for damages based on negligence and may face suspension from legal practice, revocation of their license, or even permanent removal from the Bar [27, 38].

Conversely, lawyers may find it necessary to hurt the feelings of some litigants or defendants, potentially causing them trauma, during their pleadings or cross-examination in a trial [40]. This becomes particularly sensitive when the case involves children, the elderly, disabled persons, vulnerable women, or any other vulnerable individuals [41]. Lawyers and legal practitioners often represent people during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives, when clients or litigants are likely to experience significant disruption and upheaval during the litigation process and court proceedings [26]. For example, cases involving child custody and divorce, eviction, bankruptcy, or serious criminal allegations such as rape, murder, and homicide are likely to cause trauma and emotional distress to all parties directly involved [42]. Even those indirectly involved, such as close relatives and, in some cases, the wider community, may also experience these emotions [43].

The psychological and emotional impact of these cases is not limited to the incidents themselves but often extends to the legal process. Lawyers, whether representing the plaintiff or the defendant, owe their clients a duty of care and must do all they legally can to help their clients and protect their best interests. This includes questioning statements made by an opponent in a case and challenging the testimony of any supporting witnesses, particularly by highlighting contradictions in evidence and requesting comprehensive details during cross-examination [40]. To reiterate, in cases such as divorce and custody proceedings, emotions can run high, and legal actions involving children often trigger strong feelings of anger, fear, distress, and sadness. While this process serves the interests of a lawyer’s client, it can often cause emotional harm to the opposing party and their family and supporters [44].

On the other hand, the process may also put lawyers under immense emotional stress, potentially causing feelings of guilt and pangs of conscience as they wrestle with the need to do their job effectively while minimizing harm to the feelings of others [45]. Striking the right balance is not an easy task for lawyers and can therefore lead to significant stress [42]. Furthermore, lawyers are particularly at risk of being exposed to emotionally disturbing or distressing material throughout their professional lives, whether during client meetings, litigation, or court proceedings. They are often confronted with statements or evidence containing trauma-exposed content, such as in cases of sexual offenses, child abuse, homicide, human trafficking, slavery, and other criminal, financial, and civil disputes [28, 46]. This repeated and cumulative exposure to trauma-exposed content can cause lawyers emotional distress, potentially leading to trauma-related symptoms [47].

It has been suggested that legal systems should be reformed to include thoughtful education aimed at deepening lawyers’ understanding of the emotional and psychological needs of their clients. This would help them learn effective ways to communicate and work with clients who have personality disorders or who are suffering from trauma or distress [44]. Further, Peña [26], and Ayres [42], have suggested that since lawyers work in a profession that serves vulnerable clients, they should, like medical providers and social workers, receive at least some trauma-informed care training and employ strategies that are mindful of the effects of trauma. While this argument holds value, especially when lawyers are faced with sensitive cases or have vulnerable clients who need compassion, empathy, and emotional support, it should also be extended to address the psychological and emotional well-being of lawyers themselves. This would enable them to work with minimal stress and focus on representing their clients passionately and diligently.

As Colin [28] argued, lawyers must be encouraged to adopt self-care practices, or have trauma-informed policies in place in order to “enhance their well-being and help protect them from work-related trauma but also improve their productivity and efficacy at work” [28, p. 16]. Thus, it is argued that the time has come for the legal profession to incorporate trauma-informed practices into its training, and for lawyers to receive emotion-informed support throughout their professional lives, starting with their education and continuing through their training and legal practice.

3. Methodology

The researchers in this study employed a quantitative approach to achieve the study’s objectives. This approach focuses on collecting numerical data through the use of a survey tool. Participants were informed about the nature and procedures of the investigation and provided consent before completing the questionnaires. Participation in this study was voluntary. This method enabled the researchers to explore the relationships among the factors that influence lawyers to continue working in the legal profession, particularly in relation to their psychological makeup. Creswell has confirmed that a quantitative design is typically used when researchers aim to conduct statistical analysis [93].

3.1. Participants

The participants in this study were 323 practicing lawyers engaged in law and advocacy at various courts across different locations in Palestine. The demographic information of the participants is presented in Table 1. In total, 783 lawyers were contacted, with 412 declining to participate for various reasons, and 48 being excluded due to non-compliance. Consequently, the study includes 323 lawyers from different locations in Palestine who fully participated in the survey. To determine the sample size, it is important to note that, according to data published by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics [94] on August 17, 2023, there are 9,457 practicing lawyers in Palestine. This indicates that our study targeted a sample representing more than 5% of the total lawyer population, with 323 lawyers responding.

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Table 1. The distribution of the study sample according to independent variables (n = 323).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310762.t001

All procedures performed in this study involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of An-Najah University’s Research Ethics Board (IRB), the American Psychological Association (APA, 2010) and the 2013 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. The protocol of our study received ethical approval from An-Najah University’s Research Ethics Board (IRB) under the following number: Ref: Med.D.2023/17. The data collection period spanned nine months, from 25 June 2023 to 29 December 2023. Informed consent was obtained from all participants included in the study. The consent statement explicitly communicated that all information provided is intended for the research study’s nature and will only be used for research purposes.

While we acknowledge that our study may not fully capture the perspectives of lawyers who do not have access to the internet or who chose not to participate in online surveys, we employed multiple distribution methods, including in-person data collection, to enhance the representativeness of our sample. Despite these efforts, we recognize that some degree of selection bias may still exist, which is a common challenge in survey-based research.

3.5. Data analysis

The data was analyzed using the Smart PLS4 statistical package. Before beginning the analysis, the program’s ability to detect missing values and identify the highest and lowest response values for each item ensured that the data was free of outliers and missing values. Consequently, six items containing missing or outlier data were deleted.

The program also handled dummy variables by converting the gender variable values from 1, 2 to 0, 1, and applied similar conversions to the rest of the variables. By selecting the regression mode and inputting the variables, outputs for descriptive statistics, normality, multicollinearity, homoscedasticity, and multiple regression results were automatically generated.

The mean score of 19.63 for emotional exhaustion was derived from the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Scale (MBI-GS), which consists of multiple items rated by participants on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (never) to 6 (every day). This scale measures various dimensions of burnout, including emotional exhaustion. The reported mean of 19.63 represents the aggregated scores from multiple items related to emotional exhaustion, rather than a single item score ranging from 0 to 6.

The interpretation of these scores as "high," "moderate," or "low," as shown in Table 2, is based on specific thresholds for each psychological construct being measured. For clarity, when analyzing emotional exhaustion, a total score of 17 or less indicates a low level of burnout, a score between 18–29 represents a moderate level, and a score above 30 is categorized as high burnout. These thresholds are typically established based on prior research or standard scales, such as the Maslach Burnout Inventory, which defines levels of burnout based on aggregate scores from multiple items.

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Table 2. Means, standard deviations and the level of (Resilience, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment, and continuance intention) among lawyers (n = 323).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310762.t002

To ensure reliability and validity, we used the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Scale (MBI-GS) and the Adult Resilience Measure (ARM-R), both of which have established internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.70). The instruments were translated into Arabic using the conceptual equivalence method, followed by back-translation. We conducted a pilot study with 30 Palestinian lawyers to test the Arabic version, leading to minor adjustments for cultural and contextual relevance. The Cronbach’s alpha for the Arabic versions was 0.85 for the MBI-GS and 0.82 for the ARM-R, confirming strong internal consistency.

3.6. Results

The participants in the study were 323 people from different locations in Palestine who had various experiences. Table 1 provides details of the participants’ distribution based on their demographic information. We noticed that the majority of the participants were living in a city (n = 195; 60%) where around half of the participants had less than five years’ experience in their career.

For data analysis, the normality of the data was checked. Hair et al., [97] suggest the test for normality should be based on skewness and kurtosis to detect for extreme cases of non- normality. Results from the univariate test of normality based on skewness ranged between -1.096 to 0.232 and kurtosis -0.497 to 2.730, indicating some levels of univariate normality but not absolute. This is because the threshold for skewness and kurtosis is between -1 to +1 and -2 to +2 respectively [98, 99]. However, based on Mardia’s coefficient, multivariate normality was not achieved [100]. Results from the multivariate analysis indicated significant p-values for non-normality (Skewness β = 5.065, p<0.01 and kurtosis β = 20.161, p<0.01). However, the results did not indicate extreme non- normality.

Descriptive analysis of the data revealed that emotional exhaustion was high, with a mean of 19.63 and SD 6.58. The levels of the remaining variables were moderate, with variants of mean from 3.07 for continuance intention to continue in the job, to 9.38 for depersonalization. Table 2 summarizes the standard deviation and the means for the variables.

Therefore, we conclude from Table 2 that:

• The level of Emotional Exhaustion among lawyers was High, as the mean of response for the total score was (19.63).
• The level of Depersonalization among lawyers was Moderate, as the mean of response for the total score was (9.38).
• The level of Personal Accomplishment among lawyers was Moderate, as the mean of response for the total score was (9.38).
• The level of resilience among lawyers was Moderate, as the mean of response for the total score was (3.86).
• The level of Continuance Intention among lawyers was Moderate, as the mean of response for the total score was (3.07).

Multicollinearity, the state in which the independent variables have a high degree of correlation with one another, is crucial. Correlation matrices, whose correlation coefficients should ideally be less than 0.80, or the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF), whose values above 10 indicate serious multicollinearity [101], Table 3 shows that no multicollinearity in our case.

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Table 3. VIF and correlation.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310762.t003

Homoscedasticity was accomplished since all levels of the independent variables should have uniform variance for the error terms (residuals). Heteroscedasticity is indicated when there is no clear pattern in a scatterplot of residuals vs anticipated values [102], see Fig 1 below.

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Fig 1. Scatter plot to test homoscedasticity.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310762.g001

Through multiple regression analysis, we discovered the relationship among the variables and how these variables influenced the continuance intention of the participants to continue in their jobs. Fig 2 presents the enter multiple regression result among the factors and the continuance intention.

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Fig 2. Enter multiple regression.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310762.g002

4. Discussion

The study presents an in-depth analysis of the factors influencing lawyers’ decisions to continue their practice in Palestine, offering a unique perspective on the dynamics of the legal profession in a socio-politically complex region. Notably, it challenges conventional wisdom regarding the role of burnout in career continuance. To achieve the study’s objectives, we employed multiple distribution methods—social media, website postings, email invitations, and in-person data collection—to enhance representativeness.

In total, 783 lawyers were contacted, with 412 declining to participate for various reasons, and 48 being excluded due to non-compliance. Consequently, the study includes 323 lawyers from different locations in Palestine who fully participated in the survey. Despite these efforts, we acknowledge that some degree of selection bias may still exist, which is a common challenge in survey-based research.

Although job burnout is commonly associated with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, as highlighted in studies by Ersayan et al. [30], and Oberle et al. [103], these factors surprisingly do not deter Palestinian lawyers from continuing their profession. This deviation from expected outcomes suggests a remarkable level of resilience within this group, a perspective supported by Qafisheh [27]. It indicates that despite facing high levels of stress and potential burnout, lawyers in Palestine display a unique determination to persevere in their roles. The study also sheds light on the significant impact of gender on continuance intentions. It finds that gender influences these intentions, particularly among women, aligning with the findings of Shao et al. [104]. Women lawyers in Palestine are more likely to stay in their roles, possibly due to their socio-economic responsibilities, particularly the need to support their families financially, as explored by Bargawi et al. [105]. This gender-specific trend is crucial for understanding the broader socio-economic context that influences career decisions in Palestine, highlighting how socio-cultural norms and economic necessities intertwine to shape professional choices.

Another significant finding of the study is the negligible influence of professional experience and geographical location on career continuity. This contrasts with the results of Panisoara et al. [84], who suggested that these factors are influential in job retention. The unique legal landscape of Palestine, characterized by a surplus of legal graduates leading to intense competition and unemployment, as noted by the Institute of Law [106] and Qafisheh [27], contributes to this divergence. The saturation of the legal market in Palestine creates a context where traditional career influences, such as job experience and location, lose their typical significance in retention decisions. This highlights the distinct challenges faced by lawyers in Palestine, which differ from global trends and require a unique understanding of the region’s legal market dynamics.

Central to the study’s findings is the emphasis on resilience and personal achievement as key factors influencing lawyers’ decisions to continue in their profession. Lawyers who perceive personal success and demonstrate resilience are more inclined to remain, suggesting that these personal attributes are more critical than traditional burnout symptoms in determining career continuity. This aligns with broader discussions on job satisfaction and stress management in career retention, as discussed by Lyng et al., [107] and Brough and Boase [108]. The study underscores the importance of recognizing individual achievements and fostering resilience as strategies for enhancing job satisfaction and retention in high-stress professions.

The study also offers significant practical implications for legal firms, educational institutions, and policymakers in Palestine. The unique challenges and dynamics identified call for targeted strategies to enhance job satisfaction and resilience among lawyers, ensuring a stable and committed legal workforce. For legal firms, this might involve creating more supportive work environments and recognizing individual achievements. Educational institutions could focus on equipping future lawyers with skills to manage stress and build resilience. Policymakers might consider initiatives to address the oversaturation of the legal market and create more equitable job opportunities.

In conclusion, this study provides invaluable contributions to the existing literature, portraying a unique case at the intersection of economic and political instability. The insights gained extend beyond academic discourse, serving as a potential roadmap for policy and organizational changes in the legal sector, especially in regions facing similar challenges. By highlighting the resilience and adaptability of lawyers in Palestine, the study opens avenues for further research and strategic improvements in lawyer retention and job satisfaction, setting a precedent for understanding career intentions in high-stress professions across different socio-political contexts.

5. Conclusion

Resilience and personal achievements emerge as pivotal determinants that significantly influence lawyers’ decisions to persist in their roles, underscoring the imperative for strategies aimed at enhancing job satisfaction and stress management. In exploring the factors influencing Palestinian lawyers’ decisions to remain in their professional roles, this study uncovers unique insights that challenge prevailing notions within the legal profession.

Contrary to established research, it becomes evident that job burnout—typically associated with career discontinuity—does not significantly diminish the resolve of Palestinian lawyers to continue their practice. This unexpected revelation may stem from the intensified competition and soaring unemployment rates prevalent among legal practitioners in Palestine, which create a distinct professional landscape. This finding opens up avenues for deeper investigations into stress-coping mechanisms specific to legal practitioners in socio-politically complex environments.

Conversely, factors such as professional experience and geographical location, often deemed influential in career decisions, do not notably sway continuance intentions among Palestinian lawyers. This peculiarity may be linked to the enduring economic and political instability in Palestine, suggesting the need for further exploration to comprehend the unique dynamics within the legal profession in this context. Additionally, the role of gender in legal career continuance does not substantially affect continuation intentions. While women globally may reconsider their careers due to burnout, Palestinian women lawyers are less likely to be influenced by burnout, likely due to socio-economic circumstances and familial responsibilities.

The study included 323 lawyers practicing in various locations across Palestine, with demographic information provided to address concerns about representativeness. Despite efforts to enhance the sample’s representativeness through multiple distribution methods, we acknowledge that some degree of selection bias may still exist, which is a common challenge in survey-based research. The Adult Resilience Measure (ARM-R) was utilized to assess resilience levels, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Scale was employed to measure burnout dimensions. Results indicated that while emotional exhaustion levels were high, other burnout dimensions and resilience levels were moderate. Notably, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization did not significantly affect the intention to continue practicing law; however, personal accomplishment and resilience did influence continuance intentions.

Multivariate analysis revealed that the model explains nearly 29% of the variance in continuance intention. Gender negatively affected continuance intention, whereas experience and place of residence did not have a significant impact. Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were also not significant predictors, but personal accomplishment and resilience were.

This study contributes significantly to understanding professional continuance intention by offering unique perspectives from the Palestinian context, marked by enduring economic and political instability. It calls for a paradigm shift in devising job retention strategies within the legal profession, advocating for a nuanced focus on gender roles, recognition of individual achievements, and the fortification of resilience among practitioners. Practical recommendations include creating more flexible and inclusive work environments, especially catering to women, and increasing recognition of lawyers’ accomplishments to bolster their confidence and reinforce their intent to continue in their roles.

Supporting information