Burnout Inventory (MBI)
The MBI (Maslach Burnout Inventory) is a self-report questionnaire that measures occupational burnout across three separately scored subscales: Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization and Personal Accomplishment. The original Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) has 22 items rated for frequency from 0 (never) to 6 (every day).
Complete burnout score interpretation for the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). Three-dimensional model: Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization, and Personal Accomplishment. Maslach & Jackson (1981).
What the MBI measures
The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) is one of the most widely used and validated measures of burnout, developed by Christina Maslach and Susan Jackson (1981). It defines burnout across three interrelated dimensions: Emotional Exhaustion (feeling emotionally depleted), Depersonalization (detached, cynical attitudes toward recipients of one's work), and reduced Personal Accomplishment (feelings of incompetence and lack of achievement).
The original MBI-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) was designed for healthcare workers, teachers, and human services professionals. The MBI-General Survey (MBI-GS) was later developed for occupations outside direct service work. Burnout is indicated by high EE, high DP, and low PA. Scores are not summed into a total, each subscale is interpreted independently.
The MBI is published by Mindgarden and requires purchase for use. The Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), and newer Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT) offer alternatives. The BAT's authors state it may be used free of charge without requesting permission; check the OLBI and CBI copyright holders' terms before use.
How to administer the MBI
The MBI is a self-report questionnaire completed by the respondent without clinician involvement. Respondents rate the frequency of each statement on a 7-point scale (0 = never to 6 = every day). No training is required for administration, though interpretation in occupational health contexts is typically conducted by a qualified professional. Use the version that matches the setting: the MBI-HSS for direct service roles, or the MBI-GS for other occupations, where Depersonalization becomes Cynicism and Personal Accomplishment becomes Professional Efficacy.
MBI copyright Mindgarden. Purchase required for use. Score interpretation does not replace clinical or occupational health assessment.
MBI scoring and interpretation
Maslach, Jackson & Leiter (1996). Subscales are interpreted independently, there is no single "total burnout score." Burnout profile = High EE + High DP + Low PA.
Burnout Inventory Comparison
Four validated burnout scales with different licensing, structure, and use cases.
Psychometric properties
The MBI is the mainstream measure of burnout, but its psychometric properties have been questioned. In 925 Italian nurses, Loera, Converso and Viotti (2014) compared ten alternative models of the MBI-HSS using confirmatory factor analysis. Item malfunctioning could confound the factor structure; the three-dimensional structure following Maslach's definition was confirmed when the original 22 items were reduced to a 20-item set. Alternative models with fewer items or more latent dimensions did not perform better.
Limitations
- Not a diagnosis. The MBI measures occupational burnout dimensions; it does not diagnose a medical or psychiatric condition, and the WHO classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon.
- No total score. The three subscales are interpreted as a profile; there is no validated total burnout score.
- Item-level issues. Some MBI-HSS items may malfunction, and factor analysis has supported a reduced 20-item set in some samples (Loera et al., 2014).
- Self-report. Scores rely on self-perception and can be affected by mood and response style.
- Licensing. The MBI requires purchase from Mindgarden, which limits use in some settings.
Measuring Burnout in HiBoop
HiBoop does not offer the MBI; this page is reference material. For wellbeing and related symptoms, HiBoop offers the SWLS, PHQ-9, and GAD-7, with automated scoring and tracking over time.
HiBoop does not offer this scale. This page is reference material.This library is an academic and clinical reference. A scale described here is not necessarily offered in HiBoop; each page says whether it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the MBI give a single overall burnout score?
No. The MBI measures three independent dimensions — Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization, and Personal Accomplishment — each scored separately. There is no validated total burnout score. Burnout is indicated by a profile of high Emotional Exhaustion, high Depersonalization, and low Personal Accomplishment considered together.
Is the MBI self-report or clinician-administered?
The MBI is a self-report questionnaire completed by the respondent without clinician involvement. Respondents rate the frequency of each statement on a 7-point scale (0 = never to 6 = every day). No training is required for administration, though interpretation in occupational health contexts is typically conducted by a qualified professional.
Can the MBI diagnose burnout as a medical condition?
No. The MBI measures occupational burnout dimensions; it does not diagnose a medical or psychiatric condition. Burnout is classified by the WHO as an occupational phenomenon rather than a medical disorder. High scores on the relevant subscales indicate elevated burnout, but a clinical interview and contextual assessment are needed before any determination of impairment or intervention.
What is the difference between the MBI-HSS and MBI-GS?
The MBI-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) was designed for healthcare workers, social workers, teachers, and others in direct service roles; its Depersonalization subscale specifically references attitudes toward clients or patients. The MBI-General Survey (MBI-GS) was developed for workers in any occupation and replaces 'Depersonalization' with 'Cynicism' and 'Personal Accomplishment' with 'Professional Efficacy,' making it more appropriate for non-service settings.
Bill this assessment
In the US, the Burnout Inventory (MBI) is usually billed under these CPT codes. Payer rules vary.
Measurement-based care in practice
For clinicians
HiBoop does not offer this scale. For the scales it does offer, HiBoop automates delivery, scoring and longitudinal tracking across your patient panel.
For individuals
This page is a clinical reference, not a diagnostic tool. If you have concerns about your own symptoms, bring this information to a qualified mental health professional.
References
- 1.Maslach C, Jackson SE. The measurement of experienced burnout. J Occup Behav. 1981;2(2):99-113.View source
- 2.Maslach C, Leiter MP. Understanding the burnout experience: recent research and its implications for psychiatry. World Psychiatry. 2016;15(2):103-111.View source
- 3.Loera B, Converso D, Viotti S. Evaluating the psychometric properties of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) among Italian nurses: how many factors must a researcher consider? PLoS One. 2014;9(12):e114987.View source
Last reviewed: Jun 3, 2026
Related Assessments
Explore complementary clinical tools and screeners