<p>Previous research has reported a low prevalence of burnout syndrome in the Portuguese Army. However, it did not explore the internal heterogeneity within the army. Since burnout can manifest in qualitatively different ways among army personnel, overall averages may conceal distinct profiles. This study employed latent profile analysis to identify distinct person-centered profiles along the burnout–engagement continuum based on the three dimensions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Services Survey. A total of 430 active-duty military personnel completed the instrument and a sociodemographic-organizational questionnaire. Results revealed three profiles: ineffective (33%), engagement (45.6%), and burnout (21.4%). Multinomial logistic regression identified significant predictors of profile membership. Feeling valued by the unit commander strongly increased the likelihood of being in the Engagement profile. Performing ≥ 9 monthly duty shifts significantly raised the odds of being in the Ineffective profile. Older age was a protective factor. These findings highlight the role of recognition, workload, and age in shaping burnout vulnerability in military settings.</p><p><i>Public Significance Statement</i>: Nearly one in three Portuguese Army personnel exhibit moderate to high levels of burnout symptoms. This is closely linked to feeling undervalued by leadership, high monthly duty shifts, and younger age. Promoting supportive leadership, recognizing individual contributions, and adjusting workload intensity may help reduce burnout. These actions can foster mental well-being, increase morale, and support long-term operational effectiveness and retention within the military.</p>

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Exploring burnout profiles in military personnel: a latent profile analysis approach

  • Marcelo Alexandre Cabaça Matias,
  • Pedro Joel Rosa

摘要

Previous research has reported a low prevalence of burnout syndrome in the Portuguese Army. However, it did not explore the internal heterogeneity within the army. Since burnout can manifest in qualitatively different ways among army personnel, overall averages may conceal distinct profiles. This study employed latent profile analysis to identify distinct person-centered profiles along the burnout–engagement continuum based on the three dimensions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Services Survey. A total of 430 active-duty military personnel completed the instrument and a sociodemographic-organizational questionnaire. Results revealed three profiles: ineffective (33%), engagement (45.6%), and burnout (21.4%). Multinomial logistic regression identified significant predictors of profile membership. Feeling valued by the unit commander strongly increased the likelihood of being in the Engagement profile. Performing ≥ 9 monthly duty shifts significantly raised the odds of being in the Ineffective profile. Older age was a protective factor. These findings highlight the role of recognition, workload, and age in shaping burnout vulnerability in military settings.

Public Significance Statement: Nearly one in three Portuguese Army personnel exhibit moderate to high levels of burnout symptoms. This is closely linked to feeling undervalued by leadership, high monthly duty shifts, and younger age. Promoting supportive leadership, recognizing individual contributions, and adjusting workload intensity may help reduce burnout. These actions can foster mental well-being, increase morale, and support long-term operational effectiveness and retention within the military.