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Exploring Burnout and Mindfulness among Medical Researchers: A Global Cross-Sectional Survey

medRxiv February 26, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.64898/2026.02.24.26346825 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Observational cross-sectional survey
Sample size 1,732
Population Corresponding authors published in MEDLINE
Measures shortened work-related Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT-12), shortened Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI-14)
Topics Meditation
Key findings Among 1,732 medical researchers surveyed, 38.8% were at risk or very high risk of burnout. Mindfulness was a strong independent negative predictor of burnout risk after controlling for socio-demographic factors, and sex, age, and employment status also predicted burnout risk.

Abstract

Abstract: Burnout, a state of chronic exhaustion often characterized by feelings of emotional exhaustion, cognitive and emotional dysregulation, and psychological distancing, is an increasingly recognized issue within most professions. This syndrome results in diminished job satisfaction, strained interpersonal relationships, and decreased well-being. Socio-demographic factors have been shown to play a role in burnout risk, while trait mindfulness has been identified as an effective method to mitigate it. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of burnout risk and its relationship with mindfulness and socio-demographics among medical researchers. An anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey was administered to corresponding authors published in MEDLINE. The survey consisted of screening and socio-demographic questions, as well as validated assessment tools (i.e., shortened work-related Burnout Assessment Tool [BAT-12] and shortened Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory [FMI-14]). Responses were analysed according to the BAT and FMI guidelines, alongside regression analyses. A total of 1,732 participants completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 1.88%. Overall, 38.8% of participants were at risk or at very high risk of burnout, and the mean mindfulness score was 37.51. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that sex, age, and employment status were significant predictors of burnout risk, while age and region significantly predicted mindfulness. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that, after controlling for socio-demographic variables, mindfulness was a strong and independent negative predictor of burnout risk. These findings on burnout risk and the influence of mindfulness and socio-demographics could guide future research in developing tailored interventions and policies that improve the well-being of medical researchers.

Comparable studies

Other cross-sectional and survey studies on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Experienced meditators and nonmeditating comparison groups 2008 Cross-sectional study
Neural Correlates of Dispositional Mindfulness During Affect Labeling Adult participants 2007 Observational cross-sectional n = 27
Assessing mindfulness in children and adolescents: Development and validation of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM). School-aged children and adolescents 2011 Cross-sectional validation study n = 1,413
Mindfulness and self-compassion as predictors of psychological wellbeing in long-term meditators and matched nonmeditators Experienced meditators and demographically matched nonmeditators 2012 Cross-sectional study n = 152
Mechanisms of Action in the Inverse Relationship Between Mindfulness and Psychological Distress Undergraduates 2008 Cross-sectional, correlational

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