Burnout: An Existential Perspective

Abstract

This chapter argues that the root cause of burnout lies in people's need to believe that their lives are meaningful, that the things they do are useful and important. The comparison between goals and stressors shows in a personally relevant way that the most burnout-causing aspects of work are those that prevent people from achieving their goals and expectations. The chapter also argues that the most emotionally demanding aspect of a work situation is its lack of existential significance. The existential perspective on burnout has both practical and theoretical implications. On the practical level, by focusing on the importance of deriving a sense of significance from work it can guide attempts to cope with and prevent burnout. On the theoretical level, the burnout model makes a number of predictions that can be tested in future research. Both of these directions can help further the theoretical development of burnout.

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