MBI-GS: Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey

16-item measure of burnout in occupational settings with three subscales. ≈ 5 min to complete. Free with attribution.

self-efficacy 16 items ≈ 5 min Updated 2026-05-06

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What is MBI-GS? MBI-GS (Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey) is a validated instrument used to assess 16-item measure of burnout in occupational settings with three subscales.. It is used in 16-item measure of burnout in occupational settings with three subscales.. It comprises 16 items. Administration takes about 5 min.

What is MBI-GS?

MBI-GS (Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey) is a validated clinical instrument used to assess 16-item measure of burnout in occupational settings with three subscales.. It is most often used for 16-item measure of burnout in occupational settings with three subscales.. The instrument contains 16 items. Typical administration time is ≈ 5 min.

Source / attribution: Copyrighted; purchase from Mind Garden

Clinical context: when MBI-GS is used

16-item measure of burnout in occupational settings with three subscales. MBI-GS is part of standard practice in this setting because it provides a structured, replicable assessment that can be tracked over time and compared across patients or visits.

Like all screening or assessment instruments, MBI-GS is a structured aid — not a diagnostic test in isolation. Results should be interpreted alongside history, examination, and clinical context. Where a score crosses an actionable threshold, the next step is typically a more detailed clinical evaluation rather than a definitive diagnosis.

Score MBI-GS

Answer all 16 items below to see your MBI-GS score and interpretation.

Each item is scored on a 7-point scale (0–6). Your score updates live as you answer.

All scoring runs in your browser. No data is sent anywhere — close the tab and the answers are gone.

How MBI-GS is scored

Three subscales: Exhaustion (5 items), Cynicism (5 items), Professional Efficacy (6 items). Items scored 0-6.

Scoring notes: Three subscales: Exhaustion (5 items), Cynicism (5 items), Professional Efficacy (6 items). Items scored 0-6.

MBI-GS psychometric properties

Psychometric figures are drawn from the validation literature and may vary across clinical populations and translations.

Limitations & common pitfalls

How MBI-GS compares to other self-efficacy scales

If MBI-GS doesn't fit your context, related instruments in self-efficacy include:

ScaleMeasuresItemsTime
GSE10-item measure of general confidence in ability to cope with difficult demands in life.10≈ 2 min
WSAS5-item simple measure of impaired functioning at work, home, and socially.5≈ 1 min
OLBI16-item alternative burnout measure with exhaustion and disengagement subscales.16≈ 5 min
PHQ-9Severity of depression9≈ 3 minutes
GAD-7Severity of generalized anxiety7≈ 2 minutes
AUDIT10-item WHO screening tool for hazardous alcohol consumption and dependence.10≈ 3 min
CHA2DS2-VAScAnnual stroke risk in non-valvular atrial fibrillation8—
Glasgow Coma ScaleLevel of consciousness after head injury3—

Frequently asked questions about MBI-GS

What does MBI-GS measure?

MBI-GS (Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey) is a validated instrument that assesses burnout in occupational settings with three subscales. It is designed for clinicians, medical students, evidence-synthesis researchers. It takes about 5 min to complete, and the 16 items are summed to produce a total score.

How long does MBI-GS take to complete?

MBI-GS typically takes about 5 min to administer. The exact duration varies a little depending on whether it is self-administered or completed with a clinician. Its brief format is part of what makes it practical for routine clinical use and for repeat administration when tracking change over time.

How many items are on MBI-GS?

MBI-GS contains 16 items. Item scores are summed to produce the total.

How reliable is MBI-GS?

MBI-GS has reported Cronbach's α of 0.85 in validation samples and test–retest reliability of 0.82. Gold standard burnout measure; validated across occupations. In practical terms, a Cronbach’s α around 0.85 indicates good internal consistency (the items hang together well), and a test–retest reliability of 0.82 means scores are strongly stable when the scale is repeated without real clinical change.

Is MBI-GS free to use?

MBI-GS is free to use with attribution — clinical, educational, and research use is permitted provided the original source is credited. If you publish results or reproduce the scale, include the citation to the source paper.

What is the source paper for MBI-GS?

Schaufeli, W. B., Leiter, M. P., Maslach, C., & Jackson, S. E. (1996). MBI-General Survey. In C. Maslach, S. E. Jackson, & M. P. Leiter (Eds.), The Maslach Burnout Inventory (3rd ed.). Consulting Psychologists Press. This is the original publication for the MBI-GS — the reference to cite when reporting results.

Can MBI-GS replace clinical judgment?

No. MBI-GS is a structured assessment aid, not a diagnostic test. Its proper role is clinical assessment of burnout in occupational settings with three subscales — it standardizes assessment and flags who needs closer evaluation, but the result must be weighed alongside history, examination, and clinical context. When a score conflicts with your clinical impression, clinical judgment takes precedence; treatment decisions should never rest on a screening score alone.

References & validation

MBI-GS is supported by the following peer-reviewed sources: