Personality and burnout among medical doctors in the Republic of Serbia

Abstract

Introduction/Objective Burnout is a multidimensional syndrome that disproportionately affects healthcare professionals. While organizational and occupational factors have been extensively studied, the role of individual traits, such as personality, remains underexplored. This study aimed to examine the relationship between specific personality traits, sociodemographic variables, and occupational burnout among medical doctors in the Republic of Serbia.

Methods A cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted in 2024 using an online survey completed by 304 medical doctors. The instruments included a sociodemographic questionnaire, a shortened Big Five Plus Two personality inventory, and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (work-related scale). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and linear regression.

Results There were no significant gender differences in burnout levels (p = 0.958), nor differences based on communication skills training (p = 0.214). However, participants who reported insufficient time for patient care had significantly higher burnout levels (p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis indicated that extraversion negatively predicted burnout (β = -0.24, p = 0.003), while conscientiousness (β = 0.21, p = 0.002) and openness (β = 0.12, p = 0.024) were positive predictors. The model was significant (R = 0.307, F(5, 298) = 6.18, p < 0.001), explaining 9.4% of the variance in burnout.

Conclusion Extraversion appears to serve as a protective factor against burnout, whereas higher levels of conscientiousness and openness are associated with increased burnout. These findings highlight the relevance of personality traits in burnout susceptibility and suggest the potential for targeted interventions in physician support programs.

Keywords: occupational stress; personality traits; health personnel; psychological resilience