Burnout: Re-examining its key constructs. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tavella, Gabriela; Hadzi-Pavlovic, Dusan; Parker, Gordon
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 287(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Stress -- Burnout -- Diagnosis; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112917
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Highlights: The key features of burnout were examined in over 1000 participants. Bifactor modelling was used to identify putative burnout constructs. Results suggest a new model of burnout with a predisposing personality factor. Abstract: There is widespread debate as to how to accurately define and measure burnout. The present study sought to address these issues by inviting participants who self-identified as experiencing burnout to complete a questionnaire covering a large item set of putative burnout features. Bifactor modelling identified a 'general' factor with items capturing exhaustion as well as psychological and cognitive dysfunction. Three additional 'specific' factors were also generated that delineated work-focused, inability to feel and compromised work functioning constructs. Similar factors were found when those still working and those no longer working were compared. Results indicate a new heuristic diathesis-stress model of burnout.