Strike a match on my burnout perceptions: Evidence on the validity of measuring burnout through a visual scale in Italy

This research investigates the validity of the Matches visual burnout scale in Italy, examining convergent, criterion, incremental, and predictive validity, test−retest reliability, and sociodemographic differences. Study 1, involving 1241 Italian employees, supports convergent validity with the Italian version of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). Person−centered analyses reveal similarities in employees’ profiles using both measures. Criterion validity is partially confirmed by significant correlations with workaholism, task, and contextual performance. However, person−centered analyses highlight differences in the nomological network of burnout across profiles estimated with different burnout assessments. The Matches measure shows incremental validity over the CBI in predicting work engagement and task performance. Yet, sociodemographic differences are inconsistent between the Matches measure and the CBI. Study 2, with 564 employees, indicates strong test−retest reliability of the Matches measure. Additionally, the Matches measure significantly predicts subsequent self−rated health.