Physical, psychological and occupational consequences of job burnout: A systematic review of prospective studies

Summary

Burnout is a syndrome that results from chronic stress at work, with several consequences to workers’ well-being and health. This systematic review aimed to summarize the evidence of the physical, psychological and occupational consequences of job burnout in prospective studies. The PubMed, Science Direct, PsycInfo, SciELO, LILACS and Web of Science databases were searched without language or date restrictions. The Transparent Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Prospective studies that analyzed burnout as the exposure condition were included. Among the 993 articles initially identified, 61 fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and 36 were analyzed because they met three criteria that must be followed in prospective studies. Burnout was a significant predictor of the following physical consequences: hypercholesterolemia, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, hospitalization due to cardiovascular disorder, musculoskeletal pain, changes in pain experiences, prolonged fatigue, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, respiratory problems, severe injuries and mortality below the age of 45 years. The psychological effects were insomnia, depressive symptoms, use of psychotropic and antidepressant medications, hospitalization for mental disorders and psychological ill-health symptoms. Job dissatisfaction, absenteeism, new disability pension, job demands, job resources and presenteeism were identified as professional outcomes. Conflicting findings were observed. In conclusion, several prospective and high-quality studies showed physical, psychological and occupational consequences of job burnout. The individual and social impacts of burnout highlight the need for preventive interventions and early identification of this health condition in the work environment.

Related articles

• The Concept of Stress Adaptation

  This document explores the concept of stress adaptation, detailing definitions, physiological responses, and coping strategies related to stress as a biological response, environmental event, and transactional relationship.

• 3 Concepts of Psychobiology

  This chapter explores key concepts in psychobiology, focusing on the interplay of genetics, neuroendocrinology, psychoneuroimmunology, and psychopharmacology in understanding psychiatric disorders and their implications for nursing practice.

• Psychological Disorders and Specific Symptoms

  This document outlines various psychological disorders, including their symptoms, classifications, and characteristics, focusing particularly on dissociative and depressive disorders. It serves as an educational resource for understanding these mental health conditions.

• LAWRENCE KOHLBERG'S 6 STAGES OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT

  This document outlines Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development, which posits that individuals progress through six stages of moral reasoning, categorized into three levels: preconventional, conventional, and post-conventional. Each stage illustrates how morality evolves from obedience to authority to adherence to universal ethical principles.

• Erikson: Post-Freudian Theory

  This document explores Erik Erikson's theories on psychosocial development, especially the concept of identity crisis and the influence of social and historical factors on personality formation throughout the human lifespan.