Stigmatising Attitudes and Social Distance Intentions of University Students Towards Individuals with Burnout

Burnout is prevalent in academic settings, yet comparatively little is known about how students perceive and evaluate individuals experiencing burnout. This cross-sectional study examined university students’ stigmatising attitudes (Burnout Stigma Inventory, BSI-8), affective reactions and attributions (Attribution Questionnaire, AQ-9) and social distance intentions (Social Distance Scale, SDS-7) towards individuals with burnout, and analysed how these components relate to each other. An online survey was completed by 193 students from various academic disciplines. Students’ responses to burnout varied considerably. Greater endorsement of stigmatising statements was associated with greater social distance intentions. Personal experience with burnout and contact with affected individuals were associated with lower social distance intentions. Gender differences were observed in bivariate analyses, with men reporting greater social distance intentions than women. In multiple regression analyses, burnout stigma and affective reactions significantly predicted social distance intentions, while gender, personal burnout experience and contact with affected individuals were not significant predictors when modelled jointly. Overall, the findings indicate that students’ responses to burnout comprise interrelated cognitive, affective and behavioural components, underscoring the need for accessible information and supportive resources in higher education to reduce stigma and social distancing.