Profiles of Academic Burnout among Chinese University Students: A Cluster Analysis Using the MBI-SS

Abstract

Academic burnout has become increasingly prevalent among university students in the post-pandemic era, yet limited research has examined how burnout manifests heterogeneously within the Chinese higher-education context. This study investigates burnout profiles among 5,197 undergraduates and compares subjective well-being (SWB) across the identified profiles. Using K-means clustering on the three dimensions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey (exhaustion, cynicism, and efficacy), three distinct profiles emerged: Low Burnout / Low Efficacy, Moderate Burnout / Moderate Efficacy, and High Burnout / High Efficacy. ANOVA results revealed significant differences in SWB across profiles, with a clear downward trend as burnout increased. Students in the Low Burnout profile reported the highest SWB, while those in the high-burnout profile exhibited severe emotional strain despite strong Professional Efficacy. These findings highlight culturally shaped burnout patterns among Chinese students and underscore the importance of differentiated, profile-based mental-health interventions. The study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of burnout heterogeneity and offers practical implications for supporting student SWB in Chinese universities.