Engagement vs. burnout: An examination of the relationships between the two concepts within the framework of the JDR model

The precise relationship between the positive psychological state of work (i.e. engagement) and the negative psychological state (i.e. burnout) has been receiving an increased attention. Some view these as opposite states on the same or similar continuum, while others take the position that they represent different biobehavioral spheres. Both states exhibit significant correlations to job demands and resources, elements of physical and mental wellbeing, and to each other. This study expands our knowledge of the phenomena of engagement and burnout by analyzing their separate and joint manifestations. Using a large sample of 2,094 nurses, respondents were segmented into quadrants that represent a 50/50 (median split) of Engagement and Burnout. The four resulting quadrants were examined in a series of analyses including logistic regression and ANOVAs. This configurational approach allowed us to examine both inverse and concurrent states of Engagement and Burnout. The findings suggested that engagement and burnout were generally inversely related (67% of the sample) but could be manifested concurrently at either extreme (33% of the sample). Burnout was chiefly driven by work demands as both quadrants of low burnout had lower demands and both quadrants of high burnout had higher demands. Engagement was primarily driven by resources and affinity. Social support acted independently by aligning with states of burnout. Worker health was primarily driven by burnout wherein both states of low burnout exhibited better health and both states of high burnout exhibited poorer health.