2000 Volume 3 Issue 1 Pages 38-46
The purpose of the study was to examine six process models on the Maslach Burnout Inventory(MBI), aimed to propose proper causal relationships in three-aspect conceptualization of burnout. A cross-sectional research design was used to draw explicit conclusions regarding causality of burnout phenomenon. The data were gahterd from all caring staffs of nursing homes for the aged in Okayama prefecture. Of 1, 445 respondents, a sample of 1, 006 females who satisfied all the items of demographic variables and MBI took part in the study. The six process models were tested by convariance structure analisis. All of the models met the fit criteria, but several standardized parameter estimates were inconsistent with the relationships defined by the previous studies. The path between Deparsonalization (DP) and personal Accomplishment (PA) was not statistically significant in two models, and the path between Emotional Exhaustion (EE) and PA was positive inconsistently in the expected direction in three models, PA and EE also incocsistently positive in one model. Consequently, the Leiter's model which EE predicts DP, PA is indipendent of the others, was tentatively supported. The results, as well as our previously published findings about the factorial models of MBI, contributed for better understanding of bunout phenomenon, and indicated that further study has to be carried out to clarify the functions of burnout.
