Burnout and engagement in a South African university student sample : a psychometric analysis

Abstract

In recent years, the concept of burnout has been expanded and is currently a concern in all professions and occupational groups. Nowadays it is widely acknowledged that people in almost any occupation could develop burnout. To-date, only two studies have examined students' experiences of burnout. Therefore, research regarding this phenomenon in students seems warranted. The objective of this study was to firstly investigate the psychometric properties of adapted versions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale in a sample of students from a tertiary institution, and secondly to consider the role of biographical variables in relation to burnout and engagement levels. A cross-sectional survey design was used to attain the research objectives. For the purposes of this study, an availability sample of students (N=353) majoring in Organisational Behaviour was drawn at one point in time. The adapted Maslach Burnout Inventory - Student Survey (MBI-SS) and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale - Student Survey (UWES-S) as well as a biographical questionnaire were administered. Structural equation modelling confirmed two-factor models of Burnout (consisting of Exhaustion and Cynicism) and Engagement (consisting of Vigour and Dedication). Biographical variables which appear to be predictive of differences in levels of student burnout are home language, overall health status and consideration given to quitting their studies, while engagement is related to home language, academic year of study and consideration given to quitting studies. Recommendations for future research were also made