Burnout in Individuals with Type D Personality: Relations to Age and Gender

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this research was to examine the severity and prevalence of burnout in working adults with Type D personality (TDP) in comparison to those without TDP. TDP is defined by the presence of specific levels of both negative affectivity and social inhibition. Burnout is an extended response to chronic stressors characterized by three dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy. Methods: Online surveys were used to gather responses from 333 participants to the Type D Scale-14, the standard for measure for assessing TDP, and the Burnout Measure, Short Version. Quantitative analyses included the use of t-tests, chi square tests, and regression analysis to determine: a) if there are differences in the severity and prevalence of burnout in individuals with and without TDP, and b) whether age, gender, or both moderate the relationship between burnout and TDP. Results: There were differences in the prevalence and severity of burnout between groups. Individuals with TDP were more likely to have, and to have more severe, burnout than those without TDP. Age moderated the relationship between burnout severity but not burnout prevalence and TDP. Severity of burnout worsened with age in individuals with TDP. Gender did not moderate the relationship. Conclusion: It is important to better understand TDP and its role in burnout. The results presented here highlight the importance of considering TDP in the development of interventions and preventative measures in settings where employee burnout is high.