Factors affecting academic burnout in secondary school adolescents in Morocco

Abstract

Introduction . Mental health is a crucial determinant of quality of life, well-being, and both social and professional satisfaction. Research indicates that burnout impacts not only academic performance but also the overall lives and future careers of high school students. Aim . The present research aimed to investigate the prevalence of burnout among senior secondary school students in Morocco and to identify its underlying causes using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS) questionnaire. Methodology and research methods . The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS) was translated into Arabic while ensuring cultural relevance. The study employed Bartlett’s test of sphericity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A total of 1,116 voluntary public secondary school students from the Kénitra region of Morocco participated in the study, with an average age of 17.15 years (SD = 1.328), of which 59.1% were female. Results . The findings indicate that 47% of Moroccan students experience academic emotions, with male students tending to develop more cynical attitudes and a lack of confidence in their academic abilities. Third-year students report higher levels of emotional exhaustion compared to first-year students, while second-year students exhibit lower rates ( p < 0.001). Additionally, students from low-income families and urban areas are more vulnerable to academic burnout. Furthermore, students pursuing scientific studies scored higher on measures of Emotional Exhaustion and Cynicism, with 13% of female students and 20% of male students affected, compared to those in the literary track, where the rates were 5% and 13%, respectively. Scientific novelty . The scientific novelty of this study lies in the application of MI-SS. This research reinforces the impact of co-factors such as gender, educational attainment, family income, disease, and learning pathways on the components of burnout in Morocco. Practical significance . Education decision-makers in Morocco can leverage the connection between socio-demographic factors and school burnout to mitigate burnout among students, ultimately enhancing academic performance.