Analysis Of Differences in Attributes of Burnout Syndrome and Coping Strategies in Managers in Terms of Gender

Abstract

Burnout syndrome represents the main problem in the physical and mental state of an individual. It represents one of the most studied work-related syndromes in current years. Burnout syndrome is closely related to energy reduction, overtiredness, chronic stress from work that is not well-managed. The study aimed to analyze statistically significant differences between attributes of burnout syndrome and coping strategies in managers in terms of gender. Main attributes or determinants of burnout syndrome are Depersonalization, Emotional Exhaustion, and Personal Accomplishment. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Brief COPE Inventory (COPE) were included, depending on research purposes. The MBI consisted of twenty-two questions individually dealing with determinants, and the Brief COPE methodology summarized fourteen coping strategies that help cope with stress. It was used to find out how managers behave in demanding situations and which coping strategies they use. The research was conducted on a representative sample of managers (N = 249) by online questionnaire in the Slovak republic. The research assumed the existence of positive differences between the assessment of determinants and coping strategies. The results confirmed the existence of statistically significant gender differences (p < .001) between attributes of burnout syndrome and certain coping strategies in managers in terms of demanding situations. It means that there are differences between managers in dealing with difficult situations and when using coping strategies. Male managers appeared to be depersonalized and emotionally exhausted more often than female managers.