Objective: Much research has broadly examined the dimensionality of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI; Maslach and Jackson 1981) but yielding inconsistent and conflicting results. An understanding of the factorial composition of the MBI is crucial when the instrument is used to screen for burnout syndrome. In line with this need, the present study is aimed at determining the most psychometrically sound representation of the structure of burnout among a sample of high school teachers. Method: Principal axis factoring exploratory factor analysis and least square confirmatory factor analysis were performed to identify the underlying factorial structure on a whole sample of 309 participants. Random data parallel analysis was conducted to determine the number of factors to retain. Results: According to some previous research (Densten 2001, Firth et al. 1985), findings highlighted a four-factor structure model: “Personal Accomplishment”, “Strain”, “Depersonalization”, and “Frustration”. Two items failing to meet the retention criteria were not retained, resulting in a 20-item scale. Conclusions: This emerging solution presents some differences compared to traditional structure. Emotional Exhaustion separated into two factors: “Strain”, referring to feelings of being emotionally drained and burned out from work, and “Frustration”, referring to feeling of stress and frustration about working with people. Limitations and need for future research avenues are discussed.

Testing for the dimensionality of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) with a sample of high school teachers

Faraci P.
2018-01-01

Abstract

Objective: Much research has broadly examined the dimensionality of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI; Maslach and Jackson 1981) but yielding inconsistent and conflicting results. An understanding of the factorial composition of the MBI is crucial when the instrument is used to screen for burnout syndrome. In line with this need, the present study is aimed at determining the most psychometrically sound representation of the structure of burnout among a sample of high school teachers. Method: Principal axis factoring exploratory factor analysis and least square confirmatory factor analysis were performed to identify the underlying factorial structure on a whole sample of 309 participants. Random data parallel analysis was conducted to determine the number of factors to retain. Results: According to some previous research (Densten 2001, Firth et al. 1985), findings highlighted a four-factor structure model: “Personal Accomplishment”, “Strain”, “Depersonalization”, and “Frustration”. Two items failing to meet the retention criteria were not retained, resulting in a 20-item scale. Conclusions: This emerging solution presents some differences compared to traditional structure. Emotional Exhaustion separated into two factors: “Strain”, referring to feelings of being emotionally drained and burned out from work, and “Frustration”, referring to feeling of stress and frustration about working with people. Limitations and need for future research avenues are discussed.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11387/128422
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