What is the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI)?

The MBI is the most widely used instrument for measuring burnout. It assesses three components of the burnout syndrome: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment.

Who developed the MBI and when?

Developed by Christina Maslach and Susan Jackson in 1981, refined over decades of research.

What type of assessment is the MBI?

It is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess burnout in human services professions.

What does the MBI measure?

• Emotional Exhaustion: Feelings of being emotionally drained by work
• Depersonalization: Cynical attitudes toward people served
• Personal Accomplishment: Feelings of competence and achievement

How is the MBI scored?

Items are rated from 0-6 (frequency scale), with separate scores for each subscale. Higher scores on exhaustion and depersonalization indicate greater burnout; lower scores on personal accomplishment indicate greater burnout.

What are the burnout levels?

• Low Burnout: Low exhaustion, low depersonalization, high accomplishment
• Moderate Burnout: Moderate levels on one or more dimensions
• High Burnout: High exhaustion, high depersonalization, low accomplishment

What are the strengths of the MBI?

Well-established psychometric properties, widely used in research, three-factor structure validated across cultures.

What are the limitations?

Originally designed for human services, may need adaptation for other professions, some items may be profession-specific.