U-shaped relationship between burnout-related emotional exhaustion and work–family conflict among physicians in China

Abstract

Work–family conflict (WFC) and burnout-related emotional exhaustion (EE) are essential concerns for employees and organizations. This study examined the relationship between WFC and EE among Chinese physicians. A cross-sectional survey conducted in 2018 included 2530 participants using the WFC scale and the Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory. The correlation between WFC and EE was calculated using smooth curve fitting and multivariate linear regression analysis. A two-piecewise linear regression model was used to investigate the threshold effect. Interaction and stratified analyses were performed, considering sex, age, education, marital status, hospital information, department, work experience, and title. The fully adjusted linear regression analysis results indicated a positive correlation between WFC and EE (β = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.67 – 0.77, P < 0.001). Smoothing graphs also demonstrated a non-linear link between WFC and EE, with an inflection point around 8.0 for WFC. On the left and right sides of the inflection point, the effect sizes and confidence intervals were −0.61 (−1.17 – −0.05, P = 0.034) and 0.79 (0.74 – 0.85, P < 0.001), respectively. These findings suggested a U-shaped association between WFC and EE among physicians in China, indicating that lower and higher WFC levels may lead to an increased risk of EE.