Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 20, 2025

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
The Relationship Between Job Burnout and Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Firefighters: Colleagueship as a Moderator
Lei Cui1, Ning Huang, Yashuang Bai
1From the School of Sociology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (Dr Cui); Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China (Dr Huang, Mr Bai, Dr Guo); Center for Social Security Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China (Dr Fu); and Sociologist and Independent Researcher, Islamabad, Pakistan (Ms Zia).
Objectives:
This study aims to investigate the association between job burnout and depressive symptoms among Chinese firefighters, assuming colleagueship to play a moderating role in the aforementioned relationship.
Methods:
This study is based on an online survey recruiting 1328 Chinese male firefighters from July 1 to August 31, 2021. Multiple linear regressions were used to examine the associations.
Results:
This study revealed that all dimensions of job burnout were associated with worse depressive symptoms. Cynicism (β = 0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.236, 0.356) had the strongest association with depressive symptoms, followed by emotional exhaustion and inefficacy. Moreover, firefighters with better affective colleagueship (β = -0.10; 95% CI, -0.141, -0.061) and better obligatory colleagueship (β = -0.07; 95% CI, -0.115, -0.034) were less likely to have depressive symptoms when confronted with job burnouts.
Conclusions:
This study suggests employers and practitioners should target their intervention efforts at both job burnout and colleagueship.
Related Concept Videos
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Relationship Formation

