Determinants of student burnout among undergraduate private university students in Bangladesh: a structural equation modeling

Student burnout is a growing concern among undergraduate students. This study investigates the influence of Self-Evaluation Traits (SET), Career Decision-Making Difficulties (CDMD), and Social Support (SS) on student burnout, guided by the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory. A cross-sectional research design was employed, with data collected through convenience sampling from 401 undergraduate students across ten private universities in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal that both SET and CDMD significantly contribute to student burnout. Social Support also has a significant direct effect on burnout. However, the interaction between SET and Social Support does not significantly influence student burnout. Social Support partially mediates the relationship between CDMD and student burnout, highlighting its importance in alleviating burnout among students facing career decision challenges. No mediating effect of Social Support was found in the SET–burnout relationship. This study contributes to the limited literature on undergraduate student burnout in Bangladesh and underscores the importance of strengthening social support systems. The findings offer valuable insights for academic policymakers and educational institutions seeking to reduce burnout and improve student well-being.