Psychological Variables as Correlates of Lecturers’ Burnout Syndrome in Delta State Universities

Abstract

The psychological variables as correlate of lecturers’ burnout syndrome in Delta State Universities. Burnout is a pervasive problem among lecturers, affecting their well-being, job satisfaction and teaching performance. The population of the study consisted of all the teaching (academic) staff of the three universities in Delta State. Consequently, as at the time of the study (2023/2024 session), the population of the study was marginally put at 5,951 teaching staff from the three universities (Delta State University, Abraka, Dennis Osadebe University, Asaba and University of Delta, Agbor). A random sample of 500 lecturers were drawn from 5,951  teaching staff from three universities namely; Delta State University, Abraka, Dennis Osadebe University, Asaba and University of Delta, Agbor, using the stratified proportionate random sampling technique. The 500 respondents represent 8.40% of the population. Two instruments (Lecturers’ Burnout Syndrome Questionnaire (LBSQ) and Psycho-demographic Questionnaire for Lecturers (P-DQL)) were used to collect data for the study. The reliability coefficients of the instruments ranged from 0.73 to 0.82 through Cronbach Alpha. Mean, standard deviation, one sample t-test, independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and regression statistics (simple and multiple) were the statistical tools deployed for the analysis of data collected. Based on the findings, it was concluded that emotional intelligence, anxiety and perfectionism relate to lecturers’ burnout syndrome depending on their level of understanding. Based on the conclusion, it therefore recommended that emotional intelligence training programs may be beneficial in preventing burnout among lecturers. Anxiety reduction strategies, such as mindfulness and relaxation technique should be employed. Perfectionism should be addressed through interventions that promote realistic goal – setting and self-compassion.