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In the absence of internationally recognised standardised criteria, several patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been developed to measure occupational burnout. The aim of this study was to extend our 2021 review of the psychometric validity of five PROMs to the Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure (SMBM) and the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT). To do that we ran a systematic literature search in the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase databases following our previous methodological framework and the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN). We assessed the level of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guideline. We identified 694 publications on SMBM and 421 on BAT, but the final review includes eight papers on SMBM and three on BAT. Of the seven psychometric properties assessed for SMBM, content, structural, and criterion validity were rated as insufficient, whereas the quality of evidence for construct and internal consistency was high and moderate, respectively. Of the nine psychometric properties assessed for BAT, content, structural, criterion, and construct validity was moderate and internal consistency was high. One limitation of this study is that we did not assess cross-cultural validity, because the number of studies reviewed is too small and content validity can only be assessed based on the original PROM version rather than translation. To conclude, BAT is superior to SMBM in terms of psychometric validity, but the quality of evidence for some properties is low or very low, suggesting a need for additional validation studies.

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AbstractThe Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire/Measure (SMBQ/M) is one of the most commonly used measures of burnout. Using confirmatory factor analyses, the present study aimed to evaluate the model fit, composite reliability, and factorial (i.e. convergent and discriminant) validity of the new brief Swedish version of the scale-labeled SMBM-6. In addition, we used Cronbach’s α as an indicator of the internal consistency of the total scale. The SMBM-6 consists of two subscales: the emotional and physiological exhaustion subscale (three items) and the cognitive weariness subscale (three items). A total of 1251 teachers in Sweden were included in the study. The analyses showed that the Swedish version of the SMBM-6 has an excellent model fit and good convergent validity. The discriminant validity for the cognitive weariness subscale was good, but slightly inadequate for the physiological exhaustion subscale. Composite reliability and Cronbach’s α indicated high internal consistency for the subscales and the total scale, respectively. Multi-group invariance tests for age indicated no violation of invariance. These results are consistent with those of the study by Almén and Jansson (2021), in which the SMBM-6 was developed, and a subsequent psychometric study by Sundström et al. (2022). In conclusion, there is strong support for the Swedish version of the SMBM-6 as a reliable and valid scale for measuring burnout. Testing the scale in languages other than Swedish is warranted.

The overall aim of the present study was to examine the construct validity of different versions of the Shirom‐Melamed Burnout Questionnaire/Measure (SMBQ/M) suggested in previous work, as well as to provide normative data for a large population‐based sample in Sweden with a broad range in age. Cross‐sectional data from the Västerbotten Environmental Health Study in Sweden were used. The 3406 participants (56% women) in this study, aged 18–79 years, constituted a random sample stratified for age and sex. Participants responded to a questionnaire including the 4‐factor 22‐item version of the SMBM as well as background questions and a number of validated questionnaire instruments assessing for example, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and somatic symptoms. The dimensionality of different versions of the SMBM were examined with confirmatory factor analysis. A modified 4‐factor 19‐item model of the SMBM provided good model‐fit, and two 2‐factor models (11‐item and 6‐item) provided excellent model fit. The relationships to relevant psychological constructs provided support for convergent validity for the suggested versions of the SMBM. Finally, normative data were obtained for a broad age group for the different versions. In conclusion, we suggest that for assessing the core of the burnout construct in terms of emotional and physical exhaustion and cognitive weariness, the SMBM‐11 or SMBM‐6 for repeated measures, are to be used. For a broader assessment of burnout incorporating both symptoms and information about the process of exhaustion via the subscales of listlessness and tension, we recommend the use of the modified 4‐factor SMBM‐19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionBurnout syndrome is a state of long-term work exhaustion that manifests on three levels: cognitive, physical and emotional. Research regarding burnout syndrome has spiked in recent years. Despite burnout syndrome not being a clinical diagnosis, it has been recognized as a significant reason for work absence or, in some cases, even work leave. This study examines trends in burnout in the Czech population. The main aim of this research was to fill in the burnout literature gap and document the burnout trend over the years. Our secondary aim was to see if there is awareness regarding burnout syndrome and whether, over the years, we will see an increasing or a decreasing trend in burnout prevalence.MethodsData collection took place in three waves using the computer assisted web interviewing (CAWI) method. In 2014 n = 1,027, in 2017 n = 1,024, and in 2020 n = 1,000. Respondents were selected from the European National Panel. Because the target group was adults (18–65 years), an online survey was chosen. Internet penetration in this target population is sufficient, and it was not necessary to use a combination of methodologies.ResultsThe results suggest a decreasing tendency for burnout syndrome in the Czech Republic. Knowledge about burnout syndrome is increasing, suggesting that people are paying more attention to their mental health and the possible factors that might affect the severity of burnout syndrome.ConclusionOverall, burnout threatens the general population, not only medical employees. It is a positive finding that over the years, there has been an increasing trend in awareness about burnout. It further shows that people have adopted certain precautions and steps to avoid burnout syndrome as the perceived threat from it gradually decreases.

The Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire/Measure (SMBQ/SMBM) is a self-report instrument frequently used for assessing degree of burnout and screening for stress-related exhaustion disorder. The aim of the present study was three-fold. First, to examine reliability and construct validity of different versions of SMBM with 6-22 items in a clinical context. Second, to examine the criterion validity by assessing sensitivity and specificity and determining clinical cut-offs for these versions of the SMBM, and third to examine the prevalence of burnout in a general population and primary care sample using the proposed cut-offs. Two Swedish samples were used for the first two purposes: a clinical sample of patients diagnosed with exhaustion disorder (n = 149), and a matched sample of healthy controls (n = 60). For the third purpose a sample from the general population (n = 3406), and a primary care clinical sample (n = 326) was used. The modified versions of the SMBM showed good internal consistency, construct validity, dimensionality and model fit on the clinical exhaustion disorder sample, as well as configural measurement invariance across clinical and non-clinical samples. The sensitivity (94.6%-95.3%) and specificity (93.3%-95.0%) in identifying cases with exhaustion disorder based on the cut-off of 4.0 for the 19-, 16- and 11-items versions, and on the cut-off of 3.75 for the 6-item version was high. The prevalence of burnout was 81.2% in the primary care sample and 16.6% in the general population sample. The findings indicate that the SMBM is a useful instrument for screening for exhaustion disorder and burnout., (© 2025 The Author(s). Stress and Health published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Introduction It is clear from the literature that depressive disorder is closely related to lifestyle, however the relationship between burnout and lifestyle remains unclear. Objectives The aim of this study was to present a comprehensive overview of depressive symptoms, burnout and lifestyle over the years. Furthermore, this study looks at the relationship between burnout, depressive symptomatology and lifestyle and seeks to clarify the extent to which burnout can be explained by these variables. Methods Data collection took place in three waves. The first data collection was in 2014 (October/November), the second in 2017 (March) and the third in 2020 (March). The STEM/MARK agency conducted the data collection and collected answers from a representative sample of respondents using the CAWI method - computer-assisted questioning. These respondents were selected from the European National Panel. Because the target group was adults (18-65 years), an online survey was chosen. Internet penetration in this target population is sufficient and it was not necessary to use a combination of methodologies. Results All 3 data collections identically show that for the model explaining burnout statistically significant variables are: age, depression and fatigue during the day. Other variables related to healthy lifestyles did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Even though the variables regarding healthy lifestyles have not reached statistical significance, their importance should not be underestimated. Mental well-being is closely linked to physical health and therefore a holistic approach to health should be emphasized and the rate of burnout should be regularly monitored. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Objectives. The aim of the study was to test the psychometric properties of Czech version of the Shirom Melamed Burnout Measure (SMBM). Although this instrument has been translated to Czech language and used before, its validity has not yet been tested. Sample and settings. Representative sample of Czech working population has been used. The predefined quotas were: gender, age, education attained, size of city they currently live in and the region they come from. Combination of questioning methods was used: direct questioning for older population (50+) and online questionnaire for 25-50 years of age. Hypothesis. The hypothesis to prove was that Czech version of SMBM has high internal consistency. The second hypothesis was that Czech SMBM has three factors (like the English version) and these factors are: cognitive, physical and emotional burnout. Statistical analyses. In order to test hypothesis regarding the internal consistency, the Cronbach's alpha was determined. In order to test the structure of the test, confirmatory factor analysis and IRT were employed. Results. Cronbach's alpha and factor analysis pointed to high internal consistency and reliability of Czech version of SMBM. Czech version of SMBM is thus considered as reliable psychometric tool and the results of this study are comparable to other available research. Study limitation. Due to the fact that online questioning for larger part of the study sample was used, certain population might have been missed. The design of the study was crosssectional which bears another problem: it is not possible to determine whether it was only respondents, current situation or whether he/she has been suffering from burnout symptoms for a longer period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is clear from the literature that depressive disorder is closely related to lifestyle, however the relationship between burnout and lifestyle remains unclear. Objectives: The aim of this study was to present a comprehensive overview of depressive symptoms, burnout and lifestyle over the years. Furthermore, this study looks at the relationship between burnout, depressive symptomatology and lifestyle and seeks to clarify the extent to which burnout can be explained by these variables. Methods: Data collection took place in three waves. The first data collection was in 2014 (October/November), the second in 2017 (March) and the third in 2020 (March). The STEM/MARK agency conducted the data collection and collected answers from a representative sample of respondents using the CAWI method - computer-assisted questioning. These respondents were selected from the European National Panel. Because the target group was adults (18-65 years), an online survey was chosen. Internet penetration in this target population is sufficient and it was not necessary to use a combination of methodologies. Results: All 3 data collections identically show that for the model explaining burnout statistically significant variables are: age, depression and fatigue during the day. Other variables related to healthy lifestyles did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Even though the variables regarding healthy lifestyles have not reached statistical significance, their importance should not be underestimated. Mental well-being is closely linked to physical health and therefore a holistic approach to health should be emphasized and the rate of burnout should be regularly monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is no consistent definition of burnout. It is neither a defined diagnosis in ICD-10 nor in DSM-IV. Yet it is diagnosed by office-based doctors and clinicians. Mainly due to reimbursement reasons, diagnoses like depression are used instead of burnout diagnoses. Therefore burnout has a very high individual, social and economic impact., Objectives: How is burnout diagnosed? Which criteria are relevant? How valid and reliable are the used tools?What kind of disorders in case of burnout are relevant for a differential diagnosis?What is the economic effect of a differential diagnosis for burnout?Are there any negative effects of persons with burnout on patients or clients?Can stigmatization of burnout-patients or -clients be observed?, Methods: Based on a systematic literature research in 36 databases, studies in English or German language, published since 2004, concerning medical and differential diagnoses, economic impact and ethical aspects of burnout, are included and evaluated., Results: 852 studies are identified. After considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria and after reviewing the full texts, 25 medical and one ethical study are included. No economic study met the criteria. The key result of this report is that so far no standardized, general and international valid procedure exists to obtain a burnout diagnosis. At present, it is up to the physician's discretion to diagnose burnout. The overall problem is to measure a phenomenon that is not exactly defined. The current available burnout measurements capture a three dimensional burnout construct. But the cutoff points do not conform to the standards of scientifically valid test construction. It is important to distinguish burnout from depression, alexithymia, feeling unwell and the concept of prolonged exhaustion. An intermittent relation of the constructs is possible. Furthermore, burnout goes along with various ailments like sleep disturbance. Through a derogation of work performance it can have also negative effects on significant others (for example patients). There is no evidence for stigmatization of persons with burnout., Discussion: The evidence of the majority of the studies is predominantly low. Most of the studies are descriptive and explorative. Self-assessment tools are mainly used, overall the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Objective data like medical parameters, health status, sick notes or judgements by third persons are extremely seldomly included in the studies. The sample construction is coincidental in the majority of cases, response rates are often low. Almost no longitudinal studies are available. There are insufficient results on the stability and the duration of related symptoms. The ambiguity of the burnout diagnosis is regularly neglected in the studies., Conclusions: The authors conclude, that (1) further research, particularly high-quality studies are needed, to broaden the understanding of the burnout syndrome. Equally (2) a definition of the burnout syndrome has to be found which goes beyond the published understanding of burnout and is based on common scientific consent. Furthermore, there is a need (3) for finding a standardized, international accepted and valid procedure for the differentiated diagnostics of burnout and for (4) developing a third party assessment tool for the diagnosis of burnout. Finally, (5) the economic effects and implication of burnout diagnostics on the economy, the health insurances and the patients have to be analysed.