*5.3. Measures*

Four standardised questionnaires were used, namely one each for the a.m. constructs, as well as a biographical survey.

Coping Strategies Scale (CSC) [61] consists of 30 items self-reported instrument, measuring problem-focused and seeking support. It is scored on a four-point Likert-type-scale (1 = never, 4 = always). Examples of the items includes the following: problem-focused (tried to solve the problem); and seeking support (went to a friend for advice on how to change the situation), avoidance (Avoided being with people in general). This study obtained a Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.65 for problem-focused COP, and 0.66 for seeking support COP (See Table 2).


**Table 1.** Sample profiles.

Source: Own data.

**Table 2.** Descriptive Statistics (Mean and Standard Deviation).


The Sense of Coherence (SOC) [30] was used to measure the sense of coherence. The SOC consists of 29 items, using a seven-point Likert-scale ranging from 1 (very often) to 7 (very seldom or never). Example of the items included the following: comprehensibility (do you have the feeling that you are in an unfamiliar situation and don't know what to do?); manageability (has it happened that people whom you counted on disappointed you); and meaningfulness (until now your life has had: no clear goals or purpose at all- very clear goals and purpose). This study obtained a Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.61 for comprehensibility, and 0.78 for SOC (see Table 2).

The Maslash Burnout Inventory General Survey (MBI-GS) [62] consists of 16 items in the self-report instrument, which measured cynicism, exhaustion, and professional efficacy. It is scored on a seven-point Likert-type-scale (0 = never, 6 = every day). Examples of the items included the following: cynicism (I have become less enthusiastic about my work); exhaustion (I feel used up at the end of a working day); and professional efficacy (In my opinion, I am good at my job. This study obtained a Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.61 for exhaustion, and 0.64 for cynicism, and 0.71 for total burnout BO (See Table 2).

The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) [10] consists of 17 items in the self-report instrument, measuring vigour, dedication, and absorption. It is scored on a seven-point Likert- type-scale (0 = never, 6 = every day). Examples of the items included the following: vigour (I am bursting with energy in my work); dedication (I find my work full of meaning and purpose); and absorption (When I am

working, I forget everything else around me. This study obtained a Cronbach alpha coefficient 0.64 for dedication, 0.77 for vigour, and 0.76 for total work engagement (WE) (See Table 2).

The researcher decided to exclude avoidance COP, manageability SOC and meaningfulness SOC, Exhaustion BO and professional efficacy BO, and absorption WE from the interpretation because of the low reliability.
