Testing for demographic covariants of psychological burn-out: three sources of data rejecting robust and regular associations

Abstract

Burn-out phenomena are attracting a substantial share of attention, and questions about demographic covariants are common but opinions are definitely mixed. Three sources of evidence here test for consistent and marked associations of burn-out with demographic variables, and the results are negative. Despite some contrary opinions, then, burn-out seems an affliction to which major demographic categories have a generally equal exposure. The conclusion applies in a commercial setting, as well as in the people-helping or social service loci in which burn-out research has been concentrated.