This paper introduces a new definition for burnout and investigates the psychometric properties of the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT). In a prior qualitative study, 49 practitioners were interviewed ...about their conceptualization of burnout (part 1). Using a dialectical approach, four core dimensions-exhaustion, mental distance, and impaired emotional and cognitive impairment-and three secondary dimensions-depressed mood, psychological distress, and psychosomatic complaints-emerged, which constitute the basis of the BAT. In the second study, the psychometric characteristics of the BAT were investigated in a representative sample of 1500 Flemish employees, focusing on factorial validity, reliability, and construct validity, respectively. Results demonstrate the assumed four-factor structure for the core dimensions, which is best represented by one general burnout factor. Contrary to expectations, instead of a three-factor structure, a two-factor structure was found for the secondary dimensions. Furthermore, the BAT and its subscales show adequate reliability. Convergent validity and discriminant validity with other burnout measures-including the MBI and OLBI-was demonstrated, as well as discriminant validity with other well-being constructs, such as work engagement and workaholism.
This research seeks to contribute to the ongoing discussion about the distinctive nature of burnout and depression. In a first study, we relied on employee samples from four European countries (
= ...5199; 51.27% women;
= 43.14). In a second study, we relied on a large sample of patients (
= 5791; 53.70% women;
= 39.54) who received a diagnosis of burnout, depressive episode, job strain, or adaptation disorder. Across all samples and subsamples, we relied on the bifactor exploratory structural equation modelling to achieve an optimal disaggregation of the variance shared across our measures of burnout and depression from the variance uniquely associated with each specific subscale included in these measures. Our results supported the value of this representation of participants' responses, as well as their invariance across samples. More precisely, our results revealed a strong underlying global factor representing participants' levels of psychological distress, as well as the presence of equally strong specific factors supporting the distinctive nature of burnout and depression. This means that, although both conditions share common ground (i.e. psychological distress), they are not redundant. Interestingly, our results also unexpectedly suggested that suicidal ideation might represent a distinctive core component of depression.
The Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT) has been gaining increased attention as a sound and innovative instrument in its conceptualization of burnout. BAT has been adapted for several countries, revealing ...promising validity evidence. This paper aims to present the psychometric properties of the Brazilian and Portuguese versions of the BAT in both the 23-item and 12-item versions. BAT's validity evidence based on the internal structure (dimensionality, reliability, and measurement invariance) and validity evidence based on the relations to other variables are the focus of research. A cross-sectional study was conducted with two non-probabilistic convenience samples from two countries (
= 3103) one from Brazil (
= 2217) and one from Portugal (
= 886). BAT's original structure was confirmed, and it achieved measurement invariance across countries. Using both classic test theory and item response theory as frameworks, the BAT presented good validity evidence based on the internal structure. Furthermore, the BAT showed good convergent evidence (i.e., work engagement, co-worker support, role clarity, work overload, and negative change). In conclusion, the psychometric properties of the BAT make this freely available instrument a promising way to measure and compare burnout levels of Portuguese and Brazilian workers.
The assessment of the health status of healthcare workers (HWs) is related to the growing interest in the sustainability of the medical profession. This study explores for the first time the level of ...burnout, coping strategies, and pulse wave velocity (PWV), the correlations between them, and possible connections with the workplace. It included 154 HWs, aged 25–64 years, 83.76% women, divided into five groups (oncology, cardiology, intensive care, occupational health, and residents). The Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT-23) questionnaire for the burnout level and the Carver Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) questionnaire for the coping strategies were used. PWV was measured with a TensioMed arteriograph. Regarding BAT subscales, all studied groups are at burnout for exhaustion (E), prone to burnout for mental distancing (MD), emotional impairment (EI), and no burnout for cognitive impairment (CI). On the four subscales of the BAT, the MANOVA shows a medium-sized effect of the workplace on MD and on CI. All subjects use positive coping strategies. Problem-solving mechanisms are often used, followed by emotional support-based and social support-based coping. PWV correlates with age and BMI and has a small positive correlation with MD, CI, and EI. High burnout levels are related to the healthcare profession, not to the workplace. Our research shows the practical need to supervise the mental and physical health of HWs in order to preserve their health through medical and organizational methods.
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