The causal links between stress and burnout in a longitudinal study of UK doctors.
Burnout and stress are common, linked problems in health-care workers. We aimed to clarify their causal associations. We assessed stress and the three components of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and low personal accomplishment) using structural equation modelling in a 3-year longitudinal study of a representative sample of 331 UK doctors. Emotional exhaustion and stress showed reciprocal causation: high levels of emotional exhaustion caused stress (beta=0 189), and high levels of stress caused emotional exhaustion (beta=0 175). High levels of personal accomplishment increased stress levels (beta=0 080), whereas depersonalisation lowered stress levels (beta=-0 105).
McManus
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IC
Department of Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK. i.mcmanus@ucl.ac.uk
Winder
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Gordon
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D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000453:epidemiology; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology