Preventing burnout: What does the research tell us?

Abstract

Practicing psychologists face many demands that place them at risk for professional burnout. This article provides empirically supported recommendations for reducing or preventing burnout. Drawing from theoretical models of burnout, 4 critical questions are identified: What job demands increase risk for burnout? What job resources decrease risk for burnout? What personal resources decrease risk for burnout? How does home life influence risk for burnout? Findings from empirical studies with psychologists related to each question are summarized and are integrated with conceptual literatures to develop specific recommendations. Consistent with the positive psychology movement and with recent conceptual shifts in the burnout literature, these recommendations encourage a positive, proactive approach that strives to maximize a fit between work demands and personal strengths, to develop resources at work and at home, and to establish a balance between work and personal lives.