The relationship between person-vocation fit and burnout among resident physicians: A single-center cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background Burnout among resident physicians affects their physical and mental health as well as the quality of healthcare. Person-Vocation Fit (P-V Fit) may play a key role in preventing burnout. This study aims to explore the relationship between P-V Fit and burnout among resident physicians. Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted, including demographic information, work factors, burnout assessment using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS), and the Person-Vocation Fit (P-V Fit) scale. Data were analyzed using logistic and linear regression with SPSS-27. Results 636 resident physicians (response rate 80%) participated in the survey. The mean age was 25.6 ± 2.3 years, 52.5% were male, 90.6% were unmarried, and 55.7% had a bachelor’s degree. The overall burnout rate was 46.07%, with mean scores for emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment of 30.5 ± 11.9, 12.9 ± 7.4, and 28.5 ± 9.6, respectively. For each one-point increase in the P-V Fit score, the overall likelihood of burnout decreased by 19% (OR, 0.81;95%CI, 0.76–0.87;P < 0.001), emotional exhaustion decreased by 0.85 points (95%CI, -1.10 to -0.59), depersonalization decreased by 0.55 points (95%CI, -0.73 to -0.38), and personal accomplishment increased by 1.34 points (95%CI, 1.12–1.56)(all P < 0.001). For each additional hour of work, the risk of burnout increased by 33% (OR, 1.33;95%CI, 1.12–1.59;P = 0.001). Conclusion Improving Person-Vocation Fit is an effective strategy for preventing burnout among resident physicians. Residency training should focus on vocational compatibility assessment, develop differentiated support strategies, and arrange reasonable workloads.