Experiences of Burnout Syndrome and the Process of Recovery

[摘要] Objective: Burnout syndrome affects the individual as a whole because it involves emotionalexhaustion, depersonalization, and a low sense of personal accomplishment. Research into burnoutsyndrome has predominantly focused on treatment outcomes measured using quantitative methods.The existing qualitative research has deepened theoretical insights from a lifeworld perspective,although, methodologically speaking, previous qualitative studies have been restricted to interviews. The qualitative interview method is somewhat limited. Hence, the objective of the presentstudy was to analyze how autobiographers narrate their experiences of burnout syndrome and todescribe their recovery process.Design: An inductive qualitative approach with a descriptive design was used to gain insights intothe authors’ experience of burnout and recovery process, as expressed in writing. Setting/Subjects: The data comprised six autobiographies written by authors from Sweden.Results: The results are presented in three categories: 1) descriptions of estrangement from one’sown body, 2) descriptions of how the phenomenon is manifested in everyday life, and 3) descriptions of recovery processes.Conclusion: Burnout syndrome intersects both work life and family life and reveals the individualas a whole, integrated being. It is vital for healthcare professionals to adopt a person-centeredapproach that sees the individual as an integrated whole, consisting of body, mind, and soul.

[学科分类] 基础医学

[关键词] burnout syndrome;health behavior;narrative;qualitative research;recovery;worklife balance