To exhaust one's physical and mental resources. To wear oneself out by excessively striving to reach some unrealistic expectation imposed by oneself or by the values of society. The process is completed when the worker defensively copes with the job and becomes apathetic, cynical or rigid. The array of symptoms associated with burnout is extensive. Physical symptoms are characterized by actual changes in physiological body functions.
Psychological symptoms show themselves in the attitudes and feelings of the individual.
Behavioral symptoms reflect those actions or behaviors manifested as a result of burnout. 5 Table 1. Individual burnout symptoms. The model in Table 2 summarizes the burnout process. Individuals bring their own personalities, self-concepts, goals, ideals, and levels of commitment to the work situation.