Construct validation and normative data for different versions of the Shirom-Melamed burnout questionnaire/measure in a Swedish population sample

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 Vasterbotten 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.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to examine the construct validity of different versions of the Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire/Measure (SMBQ/M) and provide normative data for a large population-based sample in Sweden. The study found that the SMBM-19 had good model fit, while the SMBM-11 and SMBM-6 had excellent model fit. The relationships to relevant psychological constructs provided support for the convergent validity of the suggested versions of the SMBM.