Burnout (psychology)

Burnout is a psychological syndrome emerging as a prolonged response to chronic interpersonal stressors on the job. The three key dimensions of this response are an overwhelming exhaustion, feelings of cynicism and detachment from the job, and a sense of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment. The condition was first described by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger in the 1970s. It is now recognized in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) by the World Health Organization as an occupational phenomenon. It is not classified as a medical condition.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Burnout is characterized by three main symptoms: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Emotional exhaustion refers to the feeling of being emotionally drained and depleted of emotional resources. Depersonalization manifests as an unfeeling and impersonal response towards recipients of one's care or service. Reduced personal accomplishment is the feeling of incompetence and a lack of achievement and productivity at work.

Diagnosis of burnout requires a comprehensive assessment, often involving the use of standardized questionnaires such as the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the most widely used instrument to measure burnout.

Causes

The causes of burnout are multifactorial, involving a combination of personal, interpersonal, and organizational factors. High workload, lack of control, insufficient rewards, unfairness, conflict in values, and a breakdown in community are among the critical factors that contribute to the development of burnout.

Prevention and Management

Prevention and management strategies for burnout include organizational interventions, such as workload adjustments, increasing job control, and fostering a supportive work environment. Individual strategies include stress management techniques, seeking social support, and developing coping strategies.

Impact

Burnout has significant implications for employees' physical and mental health, job performance, and relationships. It is associated with various health problems, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, burnout can lead to decreased job satisfaction, reduced productivity, and increased absenteeism and job turnover.

See Also

• Occupational stress
• Work-life balance
• Employee engagement
• Compassion fatigue