The Effect of Workplace Pressure and Experience on Burnout in Embryologists Working in Assisted Reproduction in Spain

Professionals working in Assisted Reproduction (AR) have shown high levels of burnout, with embryologists being the most affected. Previous studies have found that burnout shows symptomatology when professionals are exposed to long-lasting workplace stressors. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were estimating burnout levels in embryologists working in AR and testing whether the observed associations between the variables measured fit existing theoretical models. A cross-sectional design was used in a sample of 127 Spanish embryologists working in AR. Years working in AR, excessive workplace pressure and burnout dimensions, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment were measured. Results showed that burnout was present in significant percentages of embryologists working in AR (35.4%, 42.5%, and 28.3% showing high levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment, respectively). Additionally, relational and mediational analyses provided support for the Leiter and Maslach's theoretical model where emotional exhaustion was the first and closer variable to the stressor high pressure in the workplace, followed by depersonalization and lack of personal accomplishment. Implications arising from this study directly affect the mental health of embryologists and their performance on the job, where interventions targeting perceived workplace pressure may reduce burnout indicators in embryologists working in AR.