Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Reducing Burnout among Building Construction and Mechanical Trade Artisans: The Role of Rational Emotive Behaviour Intervention

  • Published:
Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Personal, work and even client-related burnout are highly predominant among artisans and linked to their stress-related experiences. The present study aimed to ascertain the efficacy of a rational emotive behaviour therapy program in reducing burnout among building construction and mechanical trade artisans, using a randomized controlled trial design. One hundred and twenty-five building construction and mechanical trade artisans randomly assigned to either a treatment intervention or no-intervention group participated in the study. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory was administered to participants at Time 1 (pretest), Time 2 (posttest), and Time 3 (follow-up). Results of repeated measures analysis of variance demonstrated a significant reduction in mean burnout among artisans in the treatment group after the 10-week REBT program. In contrast, the control group did not experience any significant mean burnout reduction. Furthermore, at follow-up, the mean decrease in burnout score among artisans in the treatment group was significantly maintained. In conclusion, the rational emotive behaviour intervention significantly reduced the burnout score of building construction and mechanical trade artisans and sustained it.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adnan, E., Yasmine, E.-R., & Suhair, A. (2015). Job stress, job burnout and safety performance in the Palestinian construction industry. Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, 20(2), 170–187. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFMPC-01-2015-0004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ahola, K., Honkonen, T., Isometsä, E., Kalimo, R., Nykyri, E., Aromaa, A., & Lönnqvist, J. (2005). The relationship between job-related burnout and depressive disorders—Results from the Finnish Health 2000 Study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 88(1), 55–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anggreini, C., Daharnis, D., & Karneli, Y. (2019). The Effectiveness of group rational emotive behavior therapy to reduce student learning burnout. International Journal of Research in Counseling and Education, 3(2), 109–114.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bakare, J., Omeje, H. O., Yisa, M. A., Orji, C. T., Onyechi, K. C., Eseadi, C., Nwajiuba, C. A., & Anyaegbunam, E. N. (2019). Investigation of burnout syndrome among electrical and building technology undergraduate students in Nigeria. Medicine, 98(42), e17581.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheek, J. R., Bradley, L. J., Parr, G., & Lan, W. (2003). Using music therapy techniques to treat teacher burnout. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 25(3), 204–217.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences (2nd ed.). NJ Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Construction Industry Review Committee Hong Kong (2001). Construct for excellence: Report of the construction industry review committee. Hong Kong. Retrieved from https://www.devb.gov.hk/filemanager/en/content_735/reporte.pdf

  • Creedy, D. K., Sidebotham, M., Gamble, J., Pallant, J., & Fenwick, J. (2017). Prevalence of burnout, depression, anxiety and stress in Australian midwives: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 17, 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-016-1212-5

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Dainty, A. R., Neale, R. H., & Bagilhole, B. M. (1999). Women’s careers in large construction companies: Expectations unfulfilled? Career Development International, 4(7), 353–358.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • David, D. (2014). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). In: The Encyclopedia of Clinical Psychology. Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118625392.wbecp077.

  • Dryden, W., & Neenan, M. (1995). Dictionary of rational emotive behavior therapy. Whurr.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, A. (1994). Reason and emotion in psychotherapy (2nd ed.). Birch Lane Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, A. (2000). Rational emotive behavior therapy. In R. J. Corsini & D. Wedding (Eds.), Current psychotherapies (6th ed.). Itasca, IL: Peacock.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ezenwaji, I. O., Eseadi, C., Ugwoke, S. C., Vita-Agundu, U. C., Edikpa, E., Okeke, F. C., Nwafor, B. N., Ozioko, A. N., Ebinyasi, J. O., & Nwabuko, L. O. (2019). A group-focused rational emotive behavior coaching for management of academic burnout among undergraduate students: Implications for school administrators. Medicine, 98(30), e16352.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ezeudu, F. O., Attah, F. O., Onah, A. E., Nwangwu, T. L., & Nnadi, E. M. (2020a). Intervention for burnout among postgraduate chemistry education students. Journal of International Medical Research, 48(1), 0300060519866279.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ezeudu, F. O., Nwoji, I. H. N., Dave-Ugwu, P. O., Abaeme, D. O., Ikegbunna, N. R., Agugu, C. V., Muoneke, M. N., Alabi, A. O., & Nwefuru, B. C. (2020b). Intervention for burnout among chemistry education undergraduates in Nigeria. Journal of International Medical Research, 48(1), 0300060519867832.

    Google Scholar 

  • Halbesleben, J. R. B., & Demerouti, E. (2005). The construct validity of an alternative measure of burnout: Investigating the English translation of the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. Work & Stress, 19(3), 208–220. https://doi.org/10.1080/02678370500340728

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hallsten, L., Josephson, M., & Torgén, M. (2005). Performance-based self-esteem: A driving force in burnout processes and its assessment. Arbete Och Hälsa, 4, 1–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ho, A. H. Y., Tan-Ho, G., Ngo, T. A., Ong, G., Chong, P. H., Dignadice, D., & Potash, J. (2019). A novel mindful-compassion art therapy (MCAT) for reducing burnout and promoting resilience for end-of-life care professionals: A waitlist RCT protocol. Trials, 20(1), 406.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Igbokwe, U. L., Onyechi, K. C., Ogbonna, C. S., Eseadi, C., Onwuegbuchulam, A. C., Nwajiuba, C. A., Ugodulunwa, C. C., Eze, A., Omaeze, K., & Patrick, C. P. (2019). Rational emotive intervention for stress management among english education undergraduates: Implications for school curriculum innovation. Medicine, 98(40), e17452.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kristensen, T. S., Borritz, M., Villadsen, E., & Christensen, K. B. (2005). The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory: A new tool for the assessment of burnout. Work & Stress, 19(3), 192–207.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, W., Migliaccio, G. C., Lin, K.-Y., & Seto, E. Y. (2020). Workforce development: Understanding task-level job demands-resources, burnout, and performance in unskilled construction workers. Safety Science, 123, 104577.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lingard, H. (2003). The impact of individual and job characteristics on “burnout” among civil engineers in Australia and the implications for employee turnover. Construction Management and Economics, 21(1), 69–80.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lingard, H., & Francis, V. (2006). Does a supportive work environment moderate the relationship between work-family conflict and burnout among construction professionals? Construction Management and Economics, 24(2), 185–196.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ng, S. T., Skitmore, R. M., & Leung, T. K. (2005). Manageability of stress among construction project participants. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 12(3), 264–282.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Norlund, S., Reuterwall, C., Höög, J., Janlert, U., & Järvholm, L. S. (2015). Work situation and self-perceived economic situation as predictors of change in burnout–a prospective general population-based cohort study. BMC Public Health, 15(1), 329.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nwabuko, L. O., Eze, G. C., Eneh, E. C., Okechukwu, A. E., & Udom, I. E. (2019). Effect of rational-emotive adult education intervention on burnout symptoms among primary school teachers in Southeast Nigeria. Journal of International Medical Research 48(4), 300060519882204.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ogbuanya, T. C., Eseadi, C., Orji, C. T., Omeje, J. C., Anyanwu, J. I., Ugwoke, S. C., & Edeh, N. C. (2018). Effect of rational-emotive behavior therapy program on the symptoms of burnout syndrome among undergraduate electronics work students in Nigeria’. Psychological Reports, 122(1), 4–22.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Onuigbo, L. N., Onyishi, C. N., & Eseadi, C. (2020). Clinical benefits of rational-emotive stress management therapy for job burnout and dysfunctional distress of special education teachers. World Journal of Clinical Cases, 8(12), 2438.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rotenstein, L. S., Torre, M., Ramos, M. A., Rosales, R. C., Guille, C., Sen, S., & Mata, D. A. (2018). Prevalence of burnout among physicians: A systematic review. JAMA, 320(11), 1131–1150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saganha, J. P., Doenitz, C., Greten, T., Efferth, T., & Greten, H. J. (2012). Qigong therapy for physiotherapists suffering from burnout: A preliminary study. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 10(11), 1233–1239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schaufeli, W., & Enzmann, D. (1998). The burnout companion to study and practice: A critical analysis. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shirom, A. (2011). Job-related burnout: A review of major research foci and challenges. In J. C. Quick & L. E. Tetrick (Eds.), Handbook of occupational health psychology (pp. 223–241). Washington: American Psychological Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ugwoke, S. C., Eseadi, C., Onuigbo, L. N., Aye, E. N., Akaneme, I. N., Oboegbulem, A. I., Ezenwaji, I. O., Nwobi, A. U., Nwaubani, O. O., & Ezegbe, B. N. (2018). A rational-emotive stress management intervention for reducing job burnout and dysfunctional distress among special education teachers: An effect study. Medicine, 97(17), e0475.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walter, U., Krugmann, C. S., & Plaumann, M. (2012). Burn-out wirksam prävenieren? Ein systematischer Review zur Effektivität individuumbezogener und kombinierter Ansätze [Preventing burnout? A systematic review of effectiveness of individual and combined approaches]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz, 55(2), 172–182.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang, F., Li, X., Zhu, Y., Li, Y., & Wu, C. (2017a). Job burnout of construction project managers in China: A cross-sectional analysis. International Journal of Project Management, 35(7), 1272–1287.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang, F., Li, X., Zhu, Y., Li, Y., & Wu, C. (2017b). Job burnout of construction project managers n China: A cross-sectional analysis. International Journal of Project Management, 35(7), 1272–1287.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yip, B., & Rowlinson, S. (2009). Job Burnout among Construction Engineers Working within Consulting and Contracting Organizations. Journal of Management in Engineering, 25(3), 122–130.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ziegler, D. J. (2003). The concept of psychological health in rational emotive behavior therapy. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 21(1), 21–36.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

    Godwin Keres Okoro Okereke, Hyginus Osita Omeje, Samson Ikenna Nwaodo, Daniel Uchenna Chukwu, Japel Onyekachi Asogwa & Pauline Ijeoma Obe

  2. Faculty of Education, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

    Rowland Chukwuemeka Uwakwe & Mercy Benedette Ifeoma Uba

  3. Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

    Nkechinyere Charity Edeh

Authors
  1. Godwin Keres Okoro Okereke
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hyginus Osita Omeje
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Samson Ikenna Nwaodo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Daniel Uchenna Chukwu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Japel Onyekachi Asogwa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Pauline Ijeoma Obe
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Rowland Chukwuemeka Uwakwe
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Mercy Benedette Ifeoma Uba
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Nkechinyere Charity Edeh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hyginus Osita Omeje.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Okereke, G.K.O., Omeje, H.O., Nwaodo, S.I. et al. Reducing Burnout among Building Construction and Mechanical Trade Artisans: The Role of Rational Emotive Behaviour Intervention. J Rat-Emo Cognitive-Behav Ther 40, 61–74 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-021-00399-y

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-021-00399-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation