Development and initial evaluation of informal caregiver burnout scale

Background: Individuals in service-oriented professions, such as caregivers, often face burnout. Informal caregivers, in particular, are individuals who care for another individual/s for no monetary benefit and do not necessarily require professional training for the same. Objectives: The study aimed to quantify informal caregiver burnout in the form of a scale, for which the domains of three main variables concerning the tridimensional characterization of the burnout syndrome included emotional exhaustion, cynicism and professional efficacy. In addition, the scale focused mainly in primary appraisal (how the caregiver evaluates their condition) rather than secondary appraisal (coping with stressful situations). The current study evaluated the psychometric properties of the informal caregiver burnout scale (ICBS) to assess burnout levels amongst informal caregivers. Results: Results from exploratory factor analysis provide preliminary psychometric support for dimensionality and reliability and suggest further revisions to future versions of the scale. Importantly, dimensionality findings from the current study found two dimensions. Conclusion: Further, replications using a more targeted sample of participants should improve dimensionality findings.