In the present study, we conducted a meta-analysis with 36 relevant studies, composed of 9,729 participants, to examine the relationships between various coping strategies and 3 dimensions of burnout symptoms. Results revealed that problem-focused coping correlated negatively with 3 dimensions of burnout symptoms, whereas emotion-focused coping correlated positively with the 3 dimensions. Whereas seeking social support, reappraisal, and religious copings among emotional coping strategies were negatively related to burnout symptoms, acceptance was positively related to burnout symptoms. The results of moderation analysis suggest that types of vocation affected the relationships between coping strategies and burnout symptoms. We discuss the implications for future research and for the amelioration of burnout.

Burnout is an important phenomenon in various occupations in the fields of human service work and professional health care. It is related to psychological health problems as well as negative outcomes for the organization involved, including depression; lower motivation, self-esteem, and optimism; absenteeism; and a high turnover rate (Fernet, Senecal, Guay, March, & Dowson, 2008; Jayaratne & Chess, 1984). As such, the prevention and alleviation of burnout are key issues in the field. Recent studies have suggested that coping skills are an important protective factor in health outcomes (McPherson, 2012; Penley, Tomaka, & Wiebe, 2002). Over the past decade, numerous studies have investigated the relationship between coping skills and burnout, with mixed results (De Rijk, Le Blanc, Schaufeli, & De Jonge, 1998; McCarthy, Kissen, Yadley, Wood, & Lambert, 2006; Parker, Martin, Colmar, & Liem, 2012). In the present study, using meta-analysis we examined the relationship between burnout and coping strategies. Specially, this analysis was designed to investigate how to relate specific coping strategies with various burnout subscales. The analysis also examined job characteristics as moderators of the relation between burnout and coping skills.

Burnout is psychological strain that is a prolonged response to...