Psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI)

Background: The objective of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) – its factor structure, reliability, validity and standard norms. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 3 independent samples of 1804, 366 and 48 workers employed in social service and general service professions. To test the OLBI structure the exploratory factor analysis was conducted. The reliability was assessed by means of Cronbach’s α coefficient (the internal consistent) and test–retest (the stability over time) method, with a 6-week follow-up. The construct validity of the OLBI was tested by means of correlation analysis, using perceived stress and work engagement as the criterion variables. Results: The result of the factor analysis confirmed a 2-factor structure of the Inventory but the construction of each factor differed from that in the OLBI original version. Therefore, 2 separate factor analyses – each for the single component of job burnout (exhaustion and disengagement from work) – were conducted. The analyses revealed that each of the components consisted of 2 subscales. The reliability of the OLBI was supported by 2 methods. It was also proved that job burnout and its 2 components, exhaustion and disengagement from work, were positively correlated with perceived stress and negatively correlated with work engagement and its 3 components – vigor, absorption and dedication. Conclusions: Despite certain limitations the Polish version of the OLBI shows satisfactory psychometric properties and it can be used to measure job burnout in Polish conditions. Med Pr 2016;67(1):29–4