Prevalence and Predictors of Burnout in Athletic Training Students: A Comparison of Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Abstract

Burnout is a psychological syndrome consisting of increased emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and decreased personal accomplishment (PA). To date, examinations of burnout among athletic training students (ATS) is limited. To determine prevalence and antecedents of burnout among ATS. Cross-sectional study. Web-based survey. Students enrolled in athletic training programs (ATP). A survey assessed demographics, stressors, and burnout measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Services Survey. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine relationships between variables. A total of 725 students participated. Most respondents were undergraduates (n = 582, 80%), female (n = 518, 71%), Caucasian (n = 564, 78%), and single (n = 422, 58%). Mean burnout scores for EE, DP, and PA were 33 ± 10, 17 ± 4.5, and 39 ± 5.8, respectively. Survey responses showed that 70.8% of undergraduate and 62.9% of graduate students reported high EE. All the students (100%) in both samples reported high DP. Undergraduates pursuing internships or residencies (b = −7.69, P < .001) and who were currently enrolled in non–Division I institutions (b = −2.90, P < .01) had decreased EE. Increased stress revealed increased EE (overall stress: b = 3.11, P < .001; social stress: b = 1.32, P < .05; class stress: b = 1.45, P < .05). Increases in clinical hours also related to increased EE (b = 1.49, P < .001). Those pursuing internships or residencies (b = −2.10, P < .05) and who were female (b = −2.10, P < .05) reported decreased DP. Being married (b = 2.87, P < .01), increased clinical hours (b = 0.77, P < .001), and social stress (b = 0.59, P < .05) resulted in increased DP. Increased PA was seen in students intending to pursue graduate education (b = 1.76, P < .05) and female students (b = 1.17, P < .05). Graduate students' stress levels revealed increased EE (b = 6.57, P < .01) and DP (b = 0.98, P < .05). Differences exist between undergraduate and graduate burnout scores and associated predictors. Further research is needed to identify student responses to burnout.