Research Article

A Phenomenological Perspective into Teacher Burnout

Volume: 26 Number: 1 March 25, 2026
TR EN

A Phenomenological Perspective into Teacher Burnout

Abstract

This phenomenological study investigates the lived experiences of burnout among English for Academic Purposes instructors at a state university in Türkiye. Utilizing semi-structured interviews with three experienced educators, the research explores their perceptions and definitions of burnout, alongside the underlying factors contributing to their emotional exhaustion. Findings reveal common triggers of burnout, including a lack of appreciation, ineffective administrative practices, and negative dynamics with colleagues and students. Despite exhibiting symptoms consistent with established burnout literature, such as exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy, participants predominantly attribute their emotional fatigue to organizational and interpersonal issues rather than student interactions. Interestingly, the instructors express a complex relationship with their profession, feeling a sense of belonging and commitment to their university, yet grappling with a perceived erosion of meaningful engagement in their work. The necessity for addressing systemic challenges and fostering a more supportive academic environment is emphasized, highlighting the importance of recognizing the interplay between individual experiences and wider institutional dynamics in burnout phenomena. This study underscores the critical need for strategies aimed at mitigating burnout among educators, acknowledging that fostering a positive work culture can enhance both job satisfaction and overall instructor well-being in higher education settings.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

The authors declare that this study is an original work and that all stages of the research process, including the preparation of the study, data collection, data analysis, and the presentation of findings, were conducted in accordance with scientific ethical principles. All data and sources that were not generated within the scope of this study have been appropriately cited, and no modifications were made to the data. Ethical approval was obtained from the Middle East Technical University Human Research Ethics Committee under protocol number 0112-ODTUİAEK-2025.

Thanks

The authors extend sincere appreciation to the participants of this study for their invaluable contribution. This article would not have been possible without their willingness to share their time, experiences, and insights.

References

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  4. Bakker, A. B., Schaufeli, W. B., Sixma, H. J., & Bosveld, W. (2001). Burnout contagion among general practitioners. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 20(1), 82–98.
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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Teacher Education and Professional Development of Educators, Other Fields of Education (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

March 25, 2026

Submission Date

April 16, 2025

Acceptance Date

February 10, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 26 Number: 1

APA
Kösereisoğlu, B., & Eröz, B. (2026). A Phenomenological Perspective into Teacher Burnout. Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 26(1), 61-78. https://doi.org/10.17240/aibuefd.2026..-1677092
AMA
1.Kösereisoğlu B, Eröz B. A Phenomenological Perspective into Teacher Burnout. BAİBÜEFD. 2026;26(1):61-78. doi:10.17240/aibuefd.2026.-1677092
Chicago
Kösereisoğlu, Başak, and Betil Eröz. 2026. “A Phenomenological Perspective into Teacher Burnout”. Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 26 (1): 61-78. https://doi.org/10.17240/aibuefd.2026. -1677092.
EndNote
Kösereisoğlu B, Eröz B (March 1, 2026) A Phenomenological Perspective into Teacher Burnout. Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 26 1 61–78.
IEEE
[1]B. Kösereisoğlu and B. Eröz, “A Phenomenological Perspective into Teacher Burnout”, BAİBÜEFD, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 61–78, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.17240/aibuefd.2026..-1677092.
ISNAD
Kösereisoğlu, Başak - Eröz, Betil. “A Phenomenological Perspective into Teacher Burnout”. Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 26/1 (March 1, 2026): 61-78. https://doi.org/10.17240/aibuefd.2026. -1677092.
JAMA
1.Kösereisoğlu B, Eröz B. A Phenomenological Perspective into Teacher Burnout. BAİBÜEFD. 2026;26:61–78.
MLA
Kösereisoğlu, Başak, and Betil Eröz. “A Phenomenological Perspective into Teacher Burnout”. Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 26, no. 1, Mar. 2026, pp. 61-78, doi:10.17240/aibuefd.2026. -1677092.
Vancouver
1.Başak Kösereisoğlu, Betil Eröz. A Phenomenological Perspective into Teacher Burnout. BAİBÜEFD. 2026 Mar. 1;26(1):61-78. doi:10.17240/aibuefd.2026. -1677092