Meta-Analysis on Emotional Exhaustion

Emotional exhaustion refers to the process in which an individual's emotional and psychological resources are gradually depleted due to prolonged exposure to stress or high-demand work environments. This state is characterized by extreme fatigue, often accompanied by persistent energy loss, feelings of helplessness, and psychological detachment. Emotional exhaustion significantly impacts an individual's work motivation, engagement, and organizational development. This study aims to explore the nature of emotional exhaustion and its effects by conducting a meta-analysis of empirical studies related to emotional exhaustion published in Taiwan from 2003 to 2023. Using Rosenthal’s (1991) meta-analysis technique, 26 studies that met the selection criteria were analyzed. The results indicate that emotional exhaustion is positively correlated with work stress, negatively correlated with leadership effectiveness, and negatively correlated with positive psychological traits. Practical recommendations are provided based on these findings: both employees and organizations should pay attention to emotional exhaustion caused by work stress, prioritize workplace mental health, establish effective feedback mechanisms, foster supportive cultures to reduce the impact of poor leadership, and create a positive work culture that offers growth opportunities.