Burnout Syndrome : Characteristics and Interventions

Abstract

Burnout is a relatively common yet poorly understood phenomenon that often results from relentlessly giving of oneself in the service of others. It has also been known to occur in non-human service work. When this giving of oneself becomes excessive, dysfunctional consequences can develop, such as emotional exhaustion, cynicism, depression, and withdrawal. A range of physical consequences can also develop, including high blood pressure, immune system depletion, and a wide range of physical ailments. This book details our evolving knowledge of burnout syndrome and addresses a variety of proposed interventions. These interventions can take place on individual, group, and organizational levels. The importance of burnout has been recently brought to light by depictions of the plight of healthcare workers who have been brought to the brink of exhaustion by the unrelenting demands made upon them by the COVID-19 pandemic. This book elucidates the nature of burnout and how we can best cope with it as individuals and as a society.