Towards an Integrated Model of Job Burnout

This study aimed at integrating the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model and the Conservation of Resources (COR) model of job burnout. The integrated model assumes emotional exhaustion and depersonalization as two distinct but interrelated facets of job burnout and indicates paths to each of them originating from job demands and resources. The model was tested using data from two independent sources: (1) a questionnaire survey of 2,267 nurses working in public hospitals and (2) telephone interviews of 486 managers, professionals, clerks and service workers. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results suggest preliminary support for the integrated model in that job resources had a dual role of reducing burnout and providing resistance against threats posed by job demands. Job demands had stronger positive effect on emotional exhaustion whereas job resources had stronger negative effect on depersonalization. Implications of results will be discussed for employee well-being in the workplace.