Dimensionality and validity of the Burnout Measure

The dimensionality and validity of the BM (Burnout Measure) is investigated in Dutch samples of human services professionals and white-collar workers (total N = 2190). Results show that, in contrast to the presumed dimensions 'physical exhaustion', 'emotional exhaustion' and 'mental exhaustion', the factors of the BM are 'demoralization', 'exhaustion', and 'loss of motive' . The factorial structure is not affected by using different time frames al though an unrestricted time frame results in significantly higher mean scor es. A BM version with a seven-point Likert scale results in more reliable s ubscales than a five-point scale. The factor 'loss of motive' is substantia lly affected by inconsistent answering patterns of the respondents. The thr ee-factor model of the BM fits equally well in samples of professionals wit h and without patient contact. The BM subscales correlate highly with fatig ue and with the dimension 'emotional exhaustion' of the. Maslach-Burnout-In ventory (MBI) but cannot be distinguished from psychological strain and psy chosomatic complaints. Problems in the conceptualization of burnout and its operationalization are discussed. It is concluded that the BM captures onl y a particular aspect of burnout and is rather a measure of general well-be ing. Recommendations for further use of a modified BM are given.