Perceived inequity: Does it explain burnout among medical specialists?

EMA Smets, MRM Visser, Frans J Oort, WB Schaufeli, HJCJM De Haes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

This study investigated, among medical specialists (N = 2,400), the association between perceived inequity in relationships at work (patients, colleagues, organization) and burn-out, and the moderating role of communal orientation. Intrapersonal inequity, involving an internal standard of reference, and interpersonal inequity, taking colleagues as the standard of reference, were assessed. The adjusted response rate was 63%. Intrapersonal inequity affected all burnout dimensions: emotional exhaustion in all relationships at work, depersonalization in the relationship with patients, and reduced personal accomplishment in relationships with colleagues and the organization. Intrapersonal inequity explained more variance in burnout than did interpersonal inequity. Communal orientation did not moderate these associations. Hence, medical specialists are more vulnerable to burnout if they perceive their relationships at work to be inequitable, regardless of their tendency to help others. Organizations might, therefore, prevent burnout by creating a working environment that is supportive and appreciative.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1900-1918
Number of pages19
JournalJournal of Applied Social Psychology
Volume34
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2004

Keywords

  • Communal orientation
  • Social support
  • Mental-health
  • Stress
  • Satisfaction
  • Reciprocity
  • Exchange
  • Professionals
  • Physicians
  • Work

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