THE IMPACT OF SOCIALLY PRESCRIBED PERFECTIONISM ON PROFESSIONAL BURNOUT WITH CONSIDERATION OF GENDER DIFFERENCES: A STUDY AMONG IT SPECIALISTS IN MOLDOVA
Irina MUNTEAN, Moldovan State University
Аннотация
This article examines the relationship between socially prescribed perfectionism and professional burnout
among IT specialists in Moldova, with a focus on analyzing gender differences in this correlation. The study is
based on data collected using standardized surveys, including the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale by Hewitt
and Flett and the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT). The results confirm the hypothesis that socially prescribed
perfectionism significantly correlates with the level of professional burnout. Furthermore, it was found that gender differences influence this relationship, with men showing higher correlation rates between perfectionism and
burnout. The article discusses both theoretical and practical aspects of the results, highlighting the need to consider
gender differences when developing corporate programs aimed at reducing stress and preventing professional
burnout. Recommendations are provided for HR departments of IT companies, emphasizing the importance of
creating tailored support programs to reduce perfectionistic expectations and enhance employees’ psychological
well-being.
Keywords: professional burnout, socially prescribed perfectionism, IT specialists, gender differences, psychological well-being, work-related stress, Moldova.
