Bidirectional Relationship Between Perceived Work Ability and Burnout

R-code for the study Bidirectional Relationship Between Perceived Work Ability and Burnout: Evidence from a Two-Wave Study among Teachers. Burnout and perceived work ability (PWA) are critical factors influencing teachers' professional well-being and effectiveness. The potential bidirectional relationship between these constructs remains underexplored, particularly in primary and lower secondary school teachers. This study examines the reciprocal relationship between burnout and PWA over time, using the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model and the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory as theoretical frameworks. A two-wave longitudinal study was conducted among 853 Czech primary and lower secondary school teachers. Data were collected via web-based questionnaires at two time points, one year apart. Bayesian cross-lagged panel modeling (CLPM) was applied to analyze the bidirectional effects of burnout and PWA while controlling for demographic variables. Burnout significantly predicted lower PWA over time, supporting the JD-R model's health impairment process. Contrary to expectations, higher PWA was associated with increased burnout, suggesting that teachers with higher PWA may take on excessive workloads, leading to resource depletion. The main contribution of the present study lies in clarifying the directionality of the association between teacher burnout and PWA. We discuss practical implications.