Burnout syndrome in a group of primary school teachers

Abstract

Objective: "Burnout" is a condition of depletion presenting with physical exhaustion, sensations of fatality, chronic fatigue, depersonalization, and negative attitudes to the work and other persons. Burnout is defined as a perception of self decrement of success, desensitization, and emotional exhaustion within individuals working with a whole performance. The aim of this study is to determine the factors contributing to teachers' burnout in Turkey. Material and Methods: The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI)-teacher's form, and information form produced by the researcher are used in this study for measuring burnout. Independent variables and dependent variables of the study were measured with categorical and equal interval scales, respectively. The "t-test" was used for statistical analysis of the sub-problems of the study. Results: The emotional burnout of females was found to be higher than males. Mean emotional burnout score was higher in unmarried teachers. Teachers who were not supported by the school directory and their friends had higher emotional burnout scores than those who were supported. Teachers who had students with behavioral problems had higher emotional burnout scores. Problems with parents of the students affected the emotional burnout of the teachers negatively. Problems of maintenance affected the the teachers' emotional burnout and individual performance scores negatively. Conclusion: As a result of the analysis, sex, marital status, support by the directory and the colleagues, students with behavioral problems, problems with parents of the students, and problems of maintenance are factors affecting burnout in teachers. © 2011 by Türkiye Klinikleri.