Predictors of occupational burnout among nurses: a dominance analysis of job stressors

Aims and objectivesTo quantitatively compare dimensions of job stressors' effects on nurses' burnout. BackgroundNurses, a key group of health service providers, often experience stressors at work. Extensive research has examined the relationship between job stressors and burnout; however, less has specifically compared the effects of job stressor domains on nurses' burnout. DesignA quantitative cross-sectional survey examined three general hospitals in Jinan, China. MethodParticipants were 602 nurses. We compared five potential stressors' ability to predict nurses' burnout using dominance analysis and assuming that each stressor was intercorrelated. ResultsStrong positive correlations were found between all five job stressors and burnout. Interpersonal relationships and management issues most strongly predicted participants' burnout (113% of average variance). ConclusionJob stressors, and particularly interpersonal relationships and management issues, significantly predict nurses' job burnout. Relevance to clinical practiceUnderstanding the relative effect of job stressors may help identify fruitful areas for intervention and improve nurse recruitment and retention.