Research Plus

Burnout lacks causal evidence

A literature review on the causes of so-called burnout in service workers found that while it remains a popular concept, the quality of available evidence is poor: most studies are cross-sectional preventing any clear identification of its causes. Work stressors, such as role ambiguity, job demands, and social support, and negative affectivity at individual level, have shown reasonably consistent associations with burnout. There is some evidence that interventions can be successful, though it is unclear how they might work.

London: Health and Safety Executive 2008, Research Report 610.  http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr610.htm

Tags evidence based practice mental health

Occupational Health at Work April/May 2008 (vol. 04/6) pp40-41