Burnout development among dentists

H. te Brake, N. Smits, J.M. Wicherts, R.C. Gorter, J. Hoogstraten

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Knowledge on the development of burnout among dentists is important for purposes of prevention and intervention. Using a two-wave longitudinal design, this study examined the chronological sequence of the three dimensions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory: emotional exhaustion; depersonalization; and personal accomplishment. Structural Equation Modelling was employed among a representative sample of Dutch dentists to examine the fit of several models proposed in earlier research. The results indicated that a model in which emotional exhaustion precedes depersonalization, which in turn precedes personal accomplishment, shows an adequate fit among dentists. However, an alternative model, in which personal accomplishment precedes emotional exhaustion, had an even better fit. In addition to the test of these a priori models, an ad hoc model was constructed that best fitted the current data. This model indicated emotional exhaustion to precede the development of depersonalization and personal accomplishment independently. Although not univocal, the results showed that emotional exhaustion should not be discarded as an early sign of burnout. This is in line with the view that emotional exhaustion can be considered as the key dimension of burnout.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)545-551
Number of pages7
JournalEuropean Journal of Oral Sciences
Volume116
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Burnout, Professional
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Dentists
  • Depersonalization
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Mental Fatigue
  • Models, Psychological
  • Netherlands
  • Occupational Diseases
  • Psychometrics
  • Self Efficacy
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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