The Symptom Network Structure of Teachers’ Burnout and Its Connection to Psychological Capital

BACKGROUND: Teacher burnout is characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion resulting from excessive work-related stress. Previous research based on traditional latent variable theory has revealed a significant negative relationship between TB and psychological capital (PsyCap). This study explored the complex symptoms of TB and the contact points of PsyCap in reducing TB using psychometric network analysis. METHODS: A total of 3991 teachers completed the burnout subscale of the Professional Quality of Life and Psychological Capital Scale. RESULTS: The results showed that: (a) In the TB network, the core symptoms displayed by teachers due to burnout are difficulty feeling “I am a very caring person”, “I am happy”, and “I am the person I always wanted to be”; (b) The TB-PsyCap network was closely connected, and the symptoms affected each other. PsyCap affected the TB network through “I feel optimistic and happy almost every day” and “I often feel that there is a future as a teacher”; (c) PsyCap’s bridge symptoms had a negative impact on TB, and PsyCap may reduce TB primarily through optimistic, hopeful dimensions. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Psychometric network analysis helps us understand the complex symptoms of TB and the contact points of PsyCap in reducing TB. This study offers valuable insights into the prevention of, and intervention in, burnout within the teaching community.