Multidimensional perfectionism is related to burnout in surgeons

Accounts of work-related pressure by surgeons suggest a link between burnout - an unhealthy occupational phenomenon - and perfectionism - the perceived or actual need to be perfect. Adopting a stress-based theoretical framework, the present study assesses the degree to which different dimensions of perfectionism are related to surgeon burnout. Using a cross-sectional design, 298 registered surgeons in the UK completed an online survey that included the brief Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Analyses showed that, when surgeons expected themselves to be perfect, they reported higher exhaustion and, when they reported that others expected them to be perfect, they reported higher levels of all three elements of burnout. Perceptions that others expected them to be perfect was the most important predictor of each element of burnout. Reducing these perceptions via targeted intervention, improved training, and workplace changes may help prevent surgeon burnout.