Raising Satisfaction When Burned-Out Through Cognitive Social Comparison

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if individuals in a state of burnout can become more satisfied with their performance through reflecting in a self-protective way rather than in a self-enhancing way on their qualities in comparison with self-generated others. A group of 156 teachers were asked to list dimensions on which they were doing well (i.e., self-enhancement) or not poorly (i.e., self-protection) compared with other teachers. As expected, individuals high in burnout derived more satisfaction and positive affect from focusing on the dimensions on which they were doing not poorly, rather than well, possibly because they are particularly concerned to avoid a sense of inferiority. It is tentatively suggested that in the long term, reflecting in a self-protective way on one's qualities might even help to combat burnout. The implications for theories on social comparison are discussed.