Associated factors of professional burnout among faculty members of graduate stricto sensu programs in language teaching and linguistics: a cross-sectional study

Abstract BACKGROUND: The burnout syndrome can be avoided and/or have its signs and symptoms reduced by knowing the five associated factors that help identify the health and working conditions of the professors of graduate programs. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with burnout among faculty members of graduate stricto sensu programs. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 585 faculty members of Graduate Programs in Language Teaching and Linguistics in Brazil. METHODS: Data were collected through an online questionnaire. The outcomes were the dimensions of burnout and its related factors identified through multiple templates of logistic regression. RESULTS: Faculty members with increased chances of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization mentioned the use of medications due to labor activities. The negative influence of pace and intensity of work, thoughts about quitting the program, and having to produce three or more scientific articles were associated with higher chances of emotional exhaustion, while having to achieve nine hours per week in undergraduate programs was related to reduced personal accomplishment. Having a conjugal relationship, satisfaction with health and work, post-doctoral degree, autonomy, and good interpersonal relationships with faculty members of the program reduced the chances of emotional exhaustion. Reduced chances of depersonalization occurred among those who were satisfied with work, had good interpersonal relationships with advisees and faculty members, and received productivity funding. CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic, health, and occupational factors related to the dimensions of burnout were identified.

Workaholism and burnout among stricto sensu graduate professors / Workaholism e burnout entre docentes de pós-graduação stricto sensu

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the association of excessive work and compulsive work with the dimensions of the burnout syndrome in masters and doctoral professors of Languages, Literature, and Linguistics in Brazil. METHODS Cross-sectional study carried out with 585 permanent professors of stricto sensu graduate studies in Languages, Literature, and Linguistics in Brazil. Data collection took place between February and August 2019, by an online questionnaire. The outcomes of this study were the compulsive work and excessive work dimensions of the Dutch Work Addiction Scale, the Maslach Burnout Inventory TM dimensions and their associated factors, identified by multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS Professors with a high level of excessive work (29.40%) had 2.75 times the chance of high emotional exhaustion and 2.08 times the chance of high depersonalization. Regarding professors with a high level of compulsive work (8.03%), they had 4.88 times the chance of high emotional exhaustion and 2.97 times the chance of high depersonalization. No association of excessive work and compulsive work with low professional fulfillment was identified. CONCLUSION The results showed a statistically significant association of excessive work and compulsive work with high emotional exhaustion and high depersonalization, allowing managers and professors to reflect the criteria that guide their work processes, to adopt management models, institutional regulatory policies, and strategies to improve the working conditions and health of professors.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar a associação entre trabalho excessivo e trabalho compulsivo com as dimensões da síndrome de burnout em docentes de mestrado e doutorado em Letras e Linguística do Brasil. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal realizado com 585 docentes permanentes de pós-graduação stricto sensu em Letras e Linguística do Brasil. A obtenção dos dados ocorreu entre fevereiro e agosto de 2019, por meio de um questionário online. Os desfechos deste estudo foram as dimensões trabalho compulsivo e trabalho excessivo da escala Dutch Work Addiction Scale, as dimensões da Maslach Burnout Inventory TM e seus fatores associados, identificados por modelos múltiplos de regressão logística. RESULTADOS Docentes com alto nível de trabalho excessivo (29,40%) apresentaram 2,75 vezes a chance de exaustão emocional alta e 2,08 vezes a chance de despersonalização alta. Quanto aos docentes com alto nível de trabalho compulsivo (8,03%), apresentaram 4,88 vezes a chance de exaustão emocional alta e 2,97 vezes a chance de despersonalização alta. Não foi identificado associação entre trabalho excessivo e trabalho compulsivo com a baixa realização profissional. CONCLUSÃO Os resultados mostraram que existe uma associação estatisticamente significativa entre trabalho excessivo e trabalho compulsivo com exaustão emocional alta e despersonalização alta, possibilitando aos gestores e docentes refletirem os critérios que norteiam seus processos laborais, a fim de adotarem modelos de gestão, políticas reguladoras institucionais e estratégias adequadas para melhorar as condições de trabalho e saúde dos docentes.