Personality, job burnout, and somatic complaints: A structural model in a South African sample

Abstract

Orientation: Research indicates that personality strengths and weaknesses can be a good starting point in reducing burnout risk and the resulting somatic symptoms that lower employee health and organisational outcomes.

Research purpose: The current study investigated the relationship between burnout, personality traits, and somatic symptoms in a South African sample.

Motivation for the study: Despite burnout’s influence on employee health and organisational outcomes, no study has been conducted within the South African context investigating these phenomena together. Knowledge of the specific personality traits that increase burnout risk and somatic symptoms is essential, as it can help create interventions to prevent and lower burnout risk for South African employees.

Research approach/design and method: A quantitative cross-sectional design was followed by a purposive sample (N = 249) of South African employees who were at least 18 years old. They completed a short form Big Five personality traits and the Burnout Assessment Tool.

Main findings: The results indicate a strong link between burnout and somatic symptoms, but that increased emotional stability and openness lowered burnout risk. Extraversion and emotional stability also lowered employees’ experiences of somatic symptoms, whereas conscientiousness increased somatic symptoms.

Practical/managerial implications: The results inform South African organisations on possible personality traits that increase burnout risk and can inform practice and create interventions and training for employees.

Contribution/value-add: The results contribute to burnout research in South Africa and create a basis for future research.