From Inequity to Burnout: The Role of Job Stress

From Inequity to Burnout: The Role of Job Stress. By: Taris, Toon W.; Peeters, Maria C. W.; Le Blanc, Pascale M.; Schaufeli, Wilmar B.; Schreurs, Paul J. G.; Source: Journal of Occupational Health Psychology. Vol. 6 (4) October 2001, pp. 303-323

Abstract:

This research examined burnout (i. e. , emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment) among 2 samples of Dutch teachers as a function of inequity and experienced job stress in 3 different exchange relationships (with students, colleagues, and the school). It was hypothesized that inequity would be linked to burnout through the stress resulting from this inequity. Analysis of a cross-sectional sample (N = 271) revealed that this was indeed the case. Findings were replicated longitudinally using an independent sample of 940 teachers. It is concluded that the often-reported effect of inequity on burnout can partly be interpreted in terms of elevated levels of job stress. Implications of the findings are discussed.