Hair Cortisol and Burnout: How Age and Stress Affect the Relationship
Author Information
Author(s): Patrick D. Gajewski, Peter Bröde, Maren Claus, Klaus Golka, Jan G. Hengstler, Carsten Watzl, Edmund Wascher, Stephan Getzmann
Primary Institution: Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany
Hypothesis
The association between hair cortisol concentrations and burnout symptoms is moderated by age, psychosocial stress, and immunological markers.
Conclusion
The study found that higher hair cortisol concentrations are associated with increased burnout symptoms, particularly in individuals with low work ability and high levels of chronic stress.
Supporting Evidence
- Higher hair cortisol concentrations are linked to increased burnout symptoms.
- The relationship between hair cortisol and burnout is stronger in individuals with low work ability.
- Chronic stress levels significantly moderate the association between hair cortisol and burnout.
- Age influences the strength of the relationship between hair cortisol and burnout symptoms.
Takeaway
This study shows that stress at work can make people feel burned out, and that this effect is stronger in older adults and those who are less able to handle their work.
Methodology
Burnout was assessed using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory and the Maslach Burnout Inventory in 196 working adults aged 20 to 65, with hair cortisol concentrations measured for analysis.
Potential Biases
Self-reported measures may introduce bias due to social desirability or misstatements.
Limitations
The study sample was predominantly female and may not represent the general population; also, cytokine data was only available for a subset of participants.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 20 to 65, with a mean age of 42.2 years, and 84.6% were female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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