Psychosocial Safety Climate and Burnout among Korean Workers: The Mediating Role of Work Stress.

Kim, Jiwon; Cho, Seong-Sik; Kang, Mo-Yeol · J Occup Environ Med · 2026

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Abstract

To investigate the association between psychosocial safety climate (PSC) and burnout among Korean workers, with particular attention to indirect pathway involving work stress. Data were analyzed from participants in the fifth wave of the Korean Work, Sleep, and Health Study. PSC, work stress, and burnout were assessed using the PSC-4, KOSS-19, and KBOSS scales, respectively. Logistic regression was used to evaluate burnout risk, and mediation analysis with nonparametric bootstrapping was performed to estimate direct and indirect effects. High-risk PSC was significantly associated with an increased risk of burnout and its subcomponents: exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy. Mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect effect of PSC on burnout through overall work stress. The findings suggest an indirect association between PSC and burnout involving work stress, rather than a direct effect.