Associations between job burnout and self-efficacy: a meta-analysis

Anxiety Stress Coping. 2016 Jul;29(4):367-86. doi: 10.1080/10615806.2015.1058369. Epub 2015 Jul 14.

Abstract

Background and objectives: This study aimed at systematically reviewing and meta-analyzing the strength of associations between self-efficacy and job burnout (the global index and its components). We investigated whether these associations would be moderated by: (a) the type of measurement of burnout and self-efficacy, (b) the type of occupation, (c) the number of years of work experience and age, and (d) culture.

Design and methods: We systematically reviewed and analyzed 57 original studies (N = 22,773) conducted among teachers (k = 29), health-care providers (k = 17), and other professionals (k = 11).

Results: The average effect size estimate for the association between self-efficacy and burnout was of medium size (-.33). Regarding the three burnout components, the largest estimate of the average effect (-.49) was found for the lack of accomplishment. The estimates of the average effect were similar, regardless of the type of measures of burnout and self-efficacy measurement (general vs. context-specific). Significantly larger estimates of the average effects were found among teachers (compared to health-care providers), older workers, and those with longer work experience.

Conclusions: Significant self-efficacy-burnout relationships were observed across countries, although the strength of associations varied across burnout components, participants' profession, and their age.

Keywords: Job burnout; human services; meta-analysis; self-efficacy.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Burnout, Professional / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires