Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Major(s)

Biochemistry

Document Type

Immediate Open Access

Abstract

Burnout is an occupational phenomenon commonly defined by the exhaustion, cynicism, and lack of efficacy a person experiences with regard to their role (i.e., educator, healthcare worker, student, etc.). Despite the prevalence of burnout in academia, very few research studies have attempted to examine the variables associated with burnout’s severity in the case of American college and university students. Thus, the current study sought to analyze the protective and risk-related factors previously determined to be associated with academic burnout within a college population. Specifically, burnout self-ratings were compared to perceived burnout stigma, resilience, perceived social support, help-seeking attitudes, and perceived difficulty of education amongst a sample of 99 college students in a public university in the southern region of the United States. Burnout ratings were significantly correlated with lower ratings of perceived burnout stigma, resilience, and social support, and with higher ratings of perceived academic difficulty. Furthermore, help-seeking attitudes were not significantly correlated with burnout, nor did they moderate the association between perceived burnout stigma and burnout. These findings suggest that academic burnout is a multifaceted issue that requires further research to explain the varying contributions among internal and environmental factors. Future studies may enable colleges and universities to adopt policies that promote a supportive environment and protect their students’ overall wellbeing.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.54718/EMQU9631

Date Defended

4-28-2025

Thesis Director

Dr. Arazais Oliveros

Second Committee Member

Dr. Anastasia Elder

Third Committee Member

Dr. Matthew Peaple

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Psychology Commons

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