Examining a stress-coping model of burnout and depression in extension agents.
Occupational stressors, coping strategies, and burnout and depression were examined in extension agents. Results indicated that a significant proportion of extension agents (range = 9.8%-51%) reported burnout symptoms above established cut-off scores for the burnout subscales, but fewer than 3% of the sample reported significant symptoms on all 3 dimensions of burnout. Depressive symptoms based on established cut-off scores were noted in approximately 26% of the sample. Stepwise multiple regression indicated that extension agents who used an emotion-oriented coping strategy were more likely to (a) display high levels of depression, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization and (b) exhibit low levels of personal accomplishment. Furthermore, task-oriented coping strategies were found to be negatively associated with the 3 dimensions of burnout. Implications for interventional programming to reduce the symptoms of burnout are discussed.
Sears
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SF
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, College of Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610, USA. SSEARS@hp.ufl.edu
Urizar
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GG
Evans
G D
GD
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D003861:Depersonalization / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012307:Risk Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications*