Impact of Burnout on Subjective Well-Being: The Mediating Roles of Executive Function Performance and Coping Strategies [1]

Considering the likely association between executive function performance and individuals’ preferred coping strategies in stressful situations, this study addressed two main objectives. First, it examined the impact of burnout on employees’ subjective well-being during Phase 1. Second, it investigated whether executive function performance and coping strategies mediated the relationship between perceived stress and life satisfaction among employees identified as stressed or burned out in Phase 1.A total of 102 employees participated in Phase 1, of whom 47 individuals classified as stressed or burned out proceeded to Phase 2. Six internationally validated self-report questionnaires, along with the numerical FCR-A and D2-R tests, were administered. A structural equation model based on principal component analysis (PCA) was developed to analyze Phase 2 data.Burnout significantly reduced both components of subjective well-being (p < 0.001 for both). Perceived stress was positively correlated with executive function performance (r = .320) and negatively correlated with emotion-focused coping (r = −.343). The structural model (with validity indices within normative ranges) confirmed a direct negative effect of perceived stress on life satisfaction (β = −0.214). However, this effect was fully mediated by executive functions (e.g., concentration capacity, processing speed, accuracy), which substantially improved life satisfaction (β = 1.52). In contrast, emotion-focused coping strategies intensified the negative impact (β = −0.43).Executive function performance and problem-focused coping strategies served as protective mediators, reducing the adverse effects of stress and supporting more effective management of occupational stress and burnout.