Examining the association between burnout and temperament and character traits of preschool teachers

Abstract

The aim is to investigate the relationships between the temperament and character traits and burnout dimensions among preschool teachers. In total, 130 preschool teachers participated in this study. All participants were asked to complete the Temperament and Character Inventory, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Findings indicate a positive association between emotional exhaustion and persistence. On the other hand, there is a negative significant correlation between emotional exhaustion and self-directedness (SD). Results conclude that there is a positive significant relationship between depersonalisation and SD, and a positive association between personal accomplishment and harm avoidance (HA). Multiple regression analysis was employed to examine the predictive effect temperament and character traits displayed on the burnout dimensions. Novelty seeking and reward dependence were significant predictors of the emotional exhaustion burnout dimension. Temperament and character traits are not significantly correlated with depersonalisation. HA temperament and character trait are the predictor factors that have specific effects on personal accomplishment.

Keywords: Burnout, preschool education teachers, temperament and character traits.