| Description: |
This present study investigated the relationships between perfectionism, reflection, and burnout among Turkish EFL teachers working as instructors in higher education, concurrently exploring their perceptions regarding these constructs. Employing a mixed-method design, quantitative data were collected from 519 teachers across various universities in Türkiye implementing questionnaires, with qualitative data gathered through open-ended questions (n=330) and semi-structured interviews (n=12). Quantitative data was analyzed by employing descriptive, correlation, and multiple regression analysis, while thematic analysis was implemented for qualitative analysis. Initial findings revealed a positive correlation between perfectionism and burnout, while burnout and reflection correlated negatively. Regression analyses identified self-critical perfectionism as a prominent predictor of burnout among the variables, while certain reflective practices emerged as protective factors. The findings of qualitative data unveiled two main categories regarding the perceptions of participants: drivers of challenges (e.g., workload, student disengagement) and coping mechanisms (e.g., colleague-oriented feedback, self-reflection). The findings highlighted the value of fostering a balance in perfectionist tendencies and incorporating reflective practices in teacher training and in-service training programs. Lastly, the results and limitations were discussed in the context of relevant literature, presenting implications and suggestions for future research. |