BURNOUT PHENOMENA AS A PROCESS: SOME FOREING APPROACHES

Abstract

The article consider burnout phenomena as a process. Several models of burnout process have been viewed, such as C. Cherniss three phases model, B. Perlman and E. Hartman four phases model, J. Edelwich, and A. Brodsky four phases model, R. Veninga and J. Spradley five phases model, M. Burisch seven phases model, R. Golembiewski and R. Munzenrider eight phases model. Most of researchers see burnout as a long-term process, associated with daily chronic stress. Usually it starts with enthusiasm, euphoria and high level of energy, but stress overload, poor coping strategies, inflexibility, fatigue and disappointment may lead to the exhaustion (emotional and physical), depersonalization (cynical and insensitive attitude) and low level of personal accomplishment, other words to the total burnout. Emotional (disappointment, sense of failure, self-doubt, feeling helpless, low satisfaction, frustration, irritability, anger, apathy, flatness, depression, etc.), physical (feeling tired, sleep problems, headaches, chronical pains, physical illnesses, etc.) and behavior (resistance to socializing, disconnection, turnover, isolation, substance abuse, disadaptation, etc.) symptoms of burnout are revealed. Organizational factors such as high level of demands, rapid organizational changes, high expectations, unbalanced workload, lack of control, etc.; personal characteristics such as motivation, active or passive coping strategies, expectations, flexibility, etc. and social support such as friendship may have a serious influence at the development of burnout. As we see burnout has a negative effect on the health, well-being, relationships and productivity of a person. According to this more studies in investigation of individual, psychological and organizational factors of burnout is necessary. Also a development of preventive program to reduce burnout is needed.