Burnout and Depressive Symptoms During the School-to-Work Transition: A Longitudinal Study of Singaporean Graduates

Abstract

Transitioning from school to work is a critical period that may pose risk for burnout and depressive symptoms. However, few studies employed longitudinal design to track their co-change patterns. Using latent growth curve modeling, we examined burnout and depressive symptoms trajectories across three time-points spaced six months apart among emerging adults transitioning from post-graduation into their first year in the workforce. For burnout and depressive symptoms, there were significant individual variability in both the initial levels and changes over time, although average levels remained relatively stable over time. Burnout and depressive symptoms were positively correlated both at baseline and over time, suggesting their interdependent relationship. Lastly, only the intercept and slope of burnout (but not depressive symptoms) predicted work-related outcomes. These findings suggest that burnout is a key early risk factor and highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring to support occupational well-being.

Keywords

school transitions burnout depressive symptoms trajectories cross-cultural mental health

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