Truth on ProQOL and Burnout Assessment—Development and Intercultural Validation of the Brief ProQOL-12 from the Professional Quality of Life, Version 5

Abstract

Objective The prevalence of burnout is becoming a public health issue across the world. This study developed and validated Brief ProQOL-12, formed from the existing, but yet unvalidated 30-item ProQOL-5. Methods Study 1—Eight intercultural samples of helping professionals from four continents (n = 4,129). Validation included step-wise appraisal and multi-group invariance testing. Study 2—Ethnically and occupationally-balanced sample (n = 453). Rasch modeling, factor analysis, analysis of measure correlates, and scale refinements. Results ProQOL-5 (30-item) did not fit among any continential or national samples, including North America. Study 1—Provisional ProQOL-12 showed good internal structure and measurement invariance. Study 2—Brief ProQOL-12 had an excellent fit in the ethnically and occupationally diverse sample. Included ProQOL 5 items were: 9, 10, 12-14, 18, 19, 21, 24-26, and 30. The reliability and validity of the Brief ProQOL-12 were significantly improved over the 30-item measure. Rasch modeling and factor analysis indicated that the measure was reliable, valid interculturally and occupationally. Conclusions The ProQOL-5 (30-item) reliability and validity concerns were resolved in this 12-item measure which was refined to include a more realistic time context of seven days and time definite Likert ranges. These enhancements increased validity, as evidenced by the improvement in all model fit indicators in the excellent range in Study 2. Transcending culture and ethnicity with proven psychometric robustness, the Brief ProQOL-12 serves as a valuable resource for evaluating burnout risk and well-being across heterogeneous ethnic, cultural, and occupational landscapes.