Meta-analysis of the Burnout-Depression Relationship in Teachers
We conducted a meta-analysis of 11 studies of educators (n = 11,729) that bear on the relationship of the MBI?s subscales, emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and a reduced sense of professional accomplishment (rPA) with each other and with validated depression scales (we expect to add two or three more studies in the coming months). The EE-depression correlation (r = 0.68; disattenuated r = 0.76) was greater than the intercorrelations among the three MBI subscales and the correlations of DP and rPA with depression. The evidence suggests that among educators the tripartite conceptualization of burnout consisting of EE, DP, and rPA does not hold up. An implication of our research is that an educator who is suffering from burnout could be helped by a clinician who specializes in the treatment of depression. We believe this an reduce attrition.