Associations between job burnout and self-efficacy: a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives: This study aimed at systematically reviewing and meta-analyzing the strength of associations between self-efficacy and job burnout (the global index and its components). We investigated whether these associations would be moderated by: (a) the type of measurement of burnout and self-efficacy, (b) the type of occupation, (c) the number of years of work experience and age, and (d) culture. Design and Methods: We systematically reviewed and analyzed 57 original studies (N = 22,773) conducted among teachers (k = 29), health-care providers (k = 17), and other professionals (k = 11). Results: The average effect size estimate for the association between self-efficacy and burnout was of medium size (−.33). Regarding the three burnout components, the largest estimate of the average effect (−.49) was found for the lack of accomplishment. The estimates of the average effect were similar, regardless of the type of measures of burnout and self-efficacy measurement (general vs. context-specific). Significantly larger estimates of the average effects were found among teachers (compared to health-care providers), older workers, and those with longer work experience. Conclusions: Significant self-efficacy–burnout relationships were observed across countries, although the strength of associations varied across burnout components, participants' profession, and their age.

KEYWORDS:

• Job burnout
• self-efficacy
• meta-analysis
• human services

Acknowledgements

The views expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not represent an endorsement by or the official policy of the US Army, the Department of Defense, or the US government.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by a grant awarded to Charles C. Benight and administered by the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center at Fort Detrick, Maryland, under Contract Number W81XWH-11-2-0153. The study was also supported by the research grant from the National Science Center, Poland (N N106 139537) awarded to Roman Cieslak. The contribution of Aleksandra Luszczynska is supported by the Foundation for Polish Science, Master's program.