Mental Health and Work Engagement as Predictors of Different Burnout Conceptualizations in a Multi-Occupational Sample from Latvia

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the role of mental health concepts (depression, anxiety, and stress) and work engagement in the prediction of burnout sub-variables in different conceptual models and which sub-variable they explain the most. It was assumed, that conceptualization of burnout subtypes could be more successful in the distinction of the burnout from other mental health phenomena compared to the well-known approach. A cross-sectional study among multi-occupational sample (N= 394) was conducted. A correlational and multivariative design was done. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales was used for measure depression, anxiety, and stress and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale for measure work engagement. Maslach Burnout Inventory General Survey and Burnout Clinical Subtype Questionnaire were used for burnout measures. Anxiety, work engagement, and stress were significant predictors of Frenetic subtype, Work engagement and depression explained Underchallenged subtype, depression, work engagement and anxiety explained Worn-Out, but all independent variables explained Exhaustion, in turn depression and work engagement predicted Cynicism and Professional efficacy. Sociodemographic factors were controlled. Work engagement had greater predictive value of the burnout in the Montero Marín model, but the mental health factors played a more dominant role in the Maslach model. The results indicate a greater role of depression in the classical burnout model.