Academic burnout among Chinese college students: A study based on FSQCA method

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Education

Background:

• Academic burnout is prevalent among Chinese college students, negatively impacting academic performance and higher education.
• Previous research often examined single factors, limiting understanding of the complex interplay leading to burnout.

Purpose of the Study:

• To empirically explore the configuration of antecedent conditions leading to academic burnout in Chinese college students.
• To identify specific combinations of factors that contribute to this phenomenon from a configurational perspective.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (FSSQCA) on data from 314 Chinese college students.
• Analyzed the interplay of five antecedent conditions: academic stress, academic anxiety, lack of academic self-efficacy, Internet addiction, and loneliness.

Main Results:

• No single condition was found to be necessary for academic burnout.
• Identified three distinct configuration paths leading to academic burnout:
• Path 1: Academic stress, academic anxiety, lack of academic self-efficacy, and Internet addiction.
• Path 2: Academic stress, lack of academic self-efficacy, Internet addiction, and loneliness.
• Path 3: Academic stress, academic anxiety, lack of academic self-efficacy, and loneliness.

Conclusions:

• Academic burnout arises from specific combinations of factors, not isolated causes.
• Findings offer theoretical insights and practical strategies for educational institutions to mitigate student burnout.
• Recommendations include managing academic load, providing psychological support, and promoting healthy activities.