Burnout stages

[Teacher]

Currently, there are several theories that distinguish the stages of emotional burnout.

J. Greenberg suggests considering burnout as a five-step progressive process.

1. The first stage of emotional burnout ("honeymoon"). The employee is usually satisfied with the work and tasks and treats them with enthusiasm. However, as work stresses continue, professional activities begin to bring less pleasure and the employee becomes less energetic.

2. The second stage ("lack of fuel"). Fatigue, apathy appear, and sleep problems may occur. In the absence of additional motivation and incentives, the employee loses interest in his work or the attractiveness of work in this organization and the productivity of his activities disappear. Violations of labor discipline and detachment (distancing) from professional duties are possible. In the case of high motivation, the employee can continue to burn, fueled by internal resources, but to the detriment of his health.

3. Third stage (chronic symptoms). Excessive work without rest, especially for "workaholics", leads to such physical phenomena as exhaustion and susceptibility to diseases, as well as psychological experiences - chronic irritability, heightened anger or feelings of depression, "cornered". Constant feeling of lack of time (manager syndrome).

4. Fourth stage (crisis). As a rule, chronic diseases develop, as a result of which a person partially or completely loses his working capacity. Feelings of dissatisfaction with their own efficiency and quality of life intensify.

5. The fifth stage of emotional burnout ("breaking through the wall"). Physical and psychological problems become acute and can provoke the development of dangerous diseases that threaten human life. The employee has so many problems that his career is in jeopardy.

According to M. Burisch's model (Burisch, 1994), the development of the Burnout Syndrome goes through a number of stages. First, there are significant energy costs - a consequence of an extremely high positive attitude towards the performance of professional activities. As the syndrome develops, a feeling of fatigue appears, which is gradually replaced by disappointment, a decrease in interest in their work. However, it should be noted that the development of emotional burnout is individual and is determined by differences in the emotional-motivational sphere, as well as the conditions in which a person's professional activity takes place.

M. Burish identifies the following stages or phases in the development of burnout syndrome .

1. Preventive phase

a) Excessive participation:

• excessive activity;

• rejection of needs not related to work, displacement from consciousness of experiences of failures and disappointments;

• restriction of social contacts.

b) Exhaustion:

• feeling tired;

• insomnia;

• threat of accidents.

2. Decrease in the level of own participation

a) In relation to employees, patients:

• loss of positive perception of colleagues;

• transition from assistance to supervision and control;

• attributing blame for their own failures to other people;

• dominance of stereotypes in behavior towards employees, patients - a manifestation of an inhuman approach to people.

b) In relation to the rest of the environment:

• lack of empathy;

• indifference;

• cynical assessments.

c) In relation to professional activity:

• unwillingness to fulfill their duties;

• artificial extension of breaks in work, being late, leaving work ahead of time;

• an emphasis on the material aspect, while at the same time dissatisfaction with the work.

d) Increasing requirements:

• loss of a life ideal, concentration on one's own needs;

• feeling that other people are using you;

• envy.

3. Emotional reactions

a) Depression:

• constant feelings of guilt, decreased self-esteem;

• unfounded fears, mood lability, apathy.

b) Aggression:

• defensive attitudes, blaming others, ignoring one's participation in failures;

• lack of tolerance and ability to compromise;

• suspicion, conflicts with the environment.

4. Phase of destructive behavior

a) Sphere of intelligence:

• decreased concentration of attention, lack of ability to complete complex tasks;

• rigidity of thinking, lack of imagination.

b) Motivational sphere:

• lack of own initiative;

• decrease in the efficiency of activities;

• tasks strictly according to the instructions, performing

c) Emotional and social sphere:

• indifference, avoidance of informal contacts;

• lack of participation in the lives of other people or excessive attachment to a particular person;

• avoiding work-related topics;

• self-sufficiency, loneliness, rejection of hobbies, boredom.

5. Psychosomatic reactions and decreased immunity;

• inability to relax in free time;

• insomnia, sexual dysfunctions;

• increased pressure, tachycardia, headaches;

• back pain, indigestion;

• dependence on nicotine, caffeine, alcohol.

6. Disappointment and negative attitudes;

• feeling of helplessness and meaninglessness of life;

• existential despair.

According to M. Burish, a strong dependence on work ultimately leads to complete despair and existential emptiness.