A Reliability Generalization Meta-Analysis of Coefficient Alpha for the Maslach Burnout Inventory

Bibliographic Data

ID20286977
AuthorsDenna L Wheeler (Oklahoma State University, Tulsa, OK, USA,), Denna Wheeler (Research Center for Rural Economy, corresponding author), Matt Vassar (0000-0003-2859-6152, Oklahoma State University, Tulsa, OK, USA), Jody A Worley (0000-0002-5858-3902, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA), Laura L B Barnes (Oklahoma State University, Tulsa, OK, USA)
Year2011
Volume71
Issue1
Pages231-244
Publication date2011-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEducational and Psychological Measurement (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0013-1644 • E-ISSN: 1552-3888
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0013164410391579
OpenAlexW1966496067
LanguageEN
Citations received42
References cited30

The purpose of this study was to synthesize internal consistency reliability for the subscale scores on the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). The authors addressed three research questions: (a) What is the mean subscale score reliability for the MBI across studies? (b) What factors are associated with observed variance in MBI subscale score reliability? (c) What are the implications for appropriate use based on MBI subscale mean internal consistency estimates? Of the 221 studies reviewed, 84 provided alpha coefficients and were used in the current analysis. Results suggest that mean alpha estimates across subscales generally fell within the .70 to .80 range. Scale variance and language most often accounted for the variance in coefficient alpha, although some variations were apparent between subscales. Of the three MBI subscales, Personal Accomplishment and Depersonalization mean alpha estimates were well below recommended levels for high-stakes decisions, such as the diagnosis of burnout syndrome. Recommendations for the use of the current version of the instrument’s scale scores as well as suggestions for scale refinement are provided

Burnout · Cronbach's alpha · Depersonalization · Emotional exhaustion · Explained variation · Internal consistency · Psychometrics · Reliability (semiconductor) · Scale (ratio) · Statistics · Variance (accounting) · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Clinical Psychology · Emotional Labor in Professions · Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout · Mathematics · Psychology