Work

Burnout as mediator between job demands and mental health in interpreters

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study explored burnout as a mediator between job demands and mental health among Filipino sign language interpreters. Using data from 83 participants, parallel mediation analyses tested whether intrapersonal and interpersonal demands were associated with anxiety and depression through personal and work-related burnout, while controlling for age. Results indicated that intrapersonal demands were positively associated with personal burnout, which in turn was associated with higher anxiety and depression. In contrast, work-related burnout did not significantly mediate any pathways, and interpersonal demands did not significantly associate with burnout or mental health outcomes. Age was negatively associated with both burnout types and indirectly influenced anxiety and depression through reduced personal burnout. These findings identify personal burnout as a key mechanism linking psychological job demands to mental health and highlight the importance of culturally informed approaches to supporting interpreter wellbeing.

Source: The Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education

DOI: 10.1093/jdsade/enag039

Authors: Ma Regina L de Gracia, Marshall N Valencia, Maria Veronica T Perez, John Xandre C Baliza, Tuan Sek Chua

Institutions: Federation University, University of the Philippines Diliman, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde

Language: English

Topic: Stress and Burnout Research

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,363