Understanding Burnout: More Than Just Work
When we think of burnout, we often associate it with working long hours and the stress that comes with it. However, a recent study challenges this notion, suggesting that only a minority of people with burnout actually attribute their symptoms to their jobs.
The research, led by a team from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), points to a broader range of factors in everyday life that contribute to burnout, not just work-related stress.
According to psychologist Renzo Bianchi from NTNU, people experiencing burnout often describe a form of depressive stress in their daily lives, which can lead to feelings of depression.
The study involved 813 employees in Norway, with some reporting feelings of burnout. The researchers found that burnout was linked to job variables, but factors like job security and colleague support were more closely associated with general psychological stress than burnout specifically.
Interestingly, only 27.7 percent of participants with burnout symptoms identified work as the main cause of their burnout.
Research suggests that burnout triggers can vary from person to person, with personality playing a role in how individuals experience stress and exhaustion.
The World Health Organization defines burnout as chronic workplace stress, but the researchers behind this study propose that definitions of burnout need to be expanded to include factors beyond work to better address and prevent burnout.
Burnout can have negative effects on physical and mental health, and can be influenced by factors such as family, health, and financial issues in addition to work-related stress.
To minimize the risk of burnout, the researchers recommend focusing on job security, coworker support, and self-determination in the workplace. They also emphasize the importance of finding a meaningful job and putting in the effort needed to succeed.
The study has been published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research.
