Learning profiles and their relation to study-related burnout and academic achievement among university students

The purpose of this study was to examine university students' learning profiles and their relationship to study-related burnout as well as study progression and study achievement. The participants in the study were 339 first-year university students. Four clusters were found: Students applying a deep approach; Organised students; Students applying a surface approach; and Unorganised students applying a deep approach. The results show that students who apply a surface approach to learning in their studies are more likely suffer from study-related burnout, as students applying a deep approach experience less study-related burnout. In addition, unorganised students applying a deep approach also proceeded slower in their studies. The study suggests that students' study skills and their learning processes should be considered when considering study-related burnout in higher education.