A newer and broader definition of burnout: Validation of the "Burnout Clinical Subtype Questionnaire (BCSQ-36)"

Abstract

BackgroundBurnout syndrome has been clinically characterised by a series of three subtypes: frenetic, underchallenged and worn-out, with reference to coping strategies for stress and frustration at work with different degrees of dedication. The aims of the study are to present an operating definition of these subtypes in order to assess their reliability and convergent validity with respect to a standard burnout criterion and to examine differences with regard to sex and the temporary nature of work contracts.MethodAn exploratory factor analysis was performed by the main component method on a range of items devised by experts. The sample was composed of 409 employees of the University of Zaragoza, Spain. The reliability of the scales was assessed with Cronbach's α, convergent validity in relation to the Maslach Burnout Inventory with Pearson's r, and differences with Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test.ResultsThe factorial validity and reliability of the scales were good. The subtypes presented relations of differing degrees with the criterion dimensions, which were greater when dedication to work was lower. The frenetic profile presented fewer relations with the criterion dimensions while the worn-out profile presented relations of the greatest magnitude. Sex was not influential in establishing differences. However, the temporary nature of work contracts was found to have an effect: temporary employees exhibited higher scores in the frenetic profile (p < 0.001), while permanent employees did so in the underchallenged (p = 0.018) and worn-out (p < 0.001) profiles.ConclusionsThe classical Maslach description of burnout does not include the frenetic profile; therefore, these patients are not recognised. The developed questionnaire may be a useful tool for the design and appraisal of specific preventive and treatment approaches based on the type of burnout experienced.

Burnout Syndrome in Mental Health Professionals: psychiatric hospital setting

“…Every subscale is made of three dimensions: − Frenetic subscale -Involvement, Ambition and Overload − Under challenged subscale -Indifference, Lack of development and Boredom − Worn-out subscale -Neglect, Lack of acknowledgement and Lack of control Participants have a Likert-type scale with seven response options that are scored from 1 ('totally disagree') to 7 ('totally agree'). The factorial validity of the BCSQ-12 presents consistent results in the study population, with α≥0.80 reliability for each of the constituent dimensions and good power for explaining the burnout standard measures [30].…”

“…The author [29] proposed a typology of three subtypes, frenetic, under challenged, and worn-out. Individuals who fall into the group of frenetic type are very involved in their job, put a lot of time and effort in their jobs, have a great sense of ambition and need for achievement, but they also tend to be overwhelmed because they often neglect their own needs, such as health and personal life [30]. The "underc hallenged" burnout subtype is influenced by the occupation type.…”

“…It appears in indifferent and bored individuals who do not find personal development in their work. 'Indifference' is lack of concern, interest and enthusiasm in work-related tasks; 'boredom' is caused by the understanding of work as a mechanical and routine experience with little variation in activities; and 'lack of development' is the absence of personal growth experiences for individuals together with their desire for taking on other jobs where they can better develop their skills [30]. The "worn-out" burnout subtype is determined by the rigidity of the organizational structure of an individual's workplace and is characterized by a lack of control over results, lack of recognition for efforts and neglect of responsibilities.…”

“…The "worn-out" burnout subtype is determined by the rigidity of the organizational structure of an individual's workplace and is characterized by a lack of control over results, lack of recognition for efforts and neglect of responsibilities. 'Lack of control' is the feeling of helplessness as a result of dealing with many situations that are beyond their control; 'lack of acknowledgement' is the belief that the organizations those individuals work for fail to take their efforts and dedication into account; and 'neglect' refers to individuals' disregard as a response to any difficulty [30]. Burnout Clinical Subtypes Questionnaire' (BCSQ-12) measures the aforementioned subtypes of burnout.…”

Internal and external factors in professional burnout of substance abuse counsellors in Croatia

“…Exhaustion is described as the feeling of not being able to offer any more of oneself at an emotional level; depersonalization as a distant attitude towards work, clients and colleagues; and reduced personal accomplishment (inefficacy) as the feeling of not performing tasks adequately and of being incompetent at work. In general terms, burnout is the body's response to the failure of the coping strategies that individuals typically utilize to manage stressors at work [2,3]. It is a gradual process of disillusionment, which starts with enthusiasm, and follows with stagnation; frustration and finally apathy [4].…”