Burnout

Defining Burnout

The burnout syndrome may not be easily defined; however, it can be recognized by the behaviors exhibited daily. Burnout is a progressive loss of idealism, energy, and goals as the result of personal or occupational stress. Burnout results from high levels of stress over time. Continuing personal or work stress, without rest, will eventually lead to burnout. There are many definitions of stress. In 1978, psychologist Tom Cox offered this excellent early definition:

The burnout syndrome has certain characteristics that can be described as exhaustion mixed with anxiety and depression. The progression of depleted personal motivation leads to personal problems: negative self-esteem, poor attitude, and reduced efficiency and effectiveness. Stress that has intensity, duration, and persistence produces burnout.

Cycle of Stress

Hans Selye's landmark publication The Stress of Life describes the stress response as the “wear and tear” on the body that eventually leads to death or chronic illness. Stress, if not addressed, can lead to both consequences. Once the stressors are removed and the arousal pattern is eliminated, the body returns to normal functioning, or homeostasis.

Selye defined stress as the nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it. Stress occurs when there are demands on the person that tax or exceed his resources and ability to adjust to them. Basic types of stress include (a) “distress” (harmful stress), (b) “hypostress” (too little stress), (c) “hyper-stress” (too much stress), and (d) “eustress” (good stress), which is motivating or stimulating rather than harmful.

Eustress represents rare moments of elation. Admittedly, positive stress does not usually overwhelm people in the work force; however, it still represents a form of stress. Positive stress in optimal levels maximizes interest in employees and challenges and inspires them to new levels of performance. Stress that does not threaten employees may be pleasurable and exhilarating. A promotion, surrounded by well-wishers, represents eustress. Pleasurable challenges in organizations can serve as positive reinforcement. This form of stress may actually prevent burnout.

Symptoms of Distress

A stressor in an environment becomes apparent only when the employee views it as such and identifies it as one. This means that the employee's triggering of the stress reaction depends on the interpretation, the process by which the mind comes to have knowledge of both the external world and one's internal experience of thoughts and feelings. The employee's mind, in short, signals the body that a stressor is present, and the alarm reaction follows.

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