Document Type : Review Article
Authors
1
Department of General Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan Branch (Khorasgan), Isfahan, Iran
2
Department of General Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Nain Branch, Isfahan, Iran
3
Department of Educational Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Mobarakeh Branch, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Background: Burnout, a work-related syndrome of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced efficacy, imposes significant human and economic costs. While organizational drivers are well-documented, a comprehensive synthesis of intrinsic psychological factors is needed to explain individual differential vulnerability.
Objective: To systematically review and integrate empirical evidence on the psychological factors influencing burnout susceptibility and progression.
Methods: A narrative review approach was employed. Literature was identified through searches of PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed articles and key texts published between 2000-2025, using terms: "burnout," "psychological factors," "personality," "cognition," "motivation," and "emotion regulation."
Results: 40 key studies and theoretical papers were reviewed. Findings categories psychological factors into three interrelated domains: 1) Dispositional Traits (e.g., neuroticism, core self-evaluations); 2) Cognitive-Affective Processes (e.g., rumination, cognitive appraisals, mindfulness); and 3) Motivational & Self-Regulatory Systems (e.g., autonomous vs. controlled motivation, ego depletion). These factors form a dynamic transaction with the work environment, shaping stress perception, coping, and recovery.
Conclusion: Burnout arises from complex person-environment transactions. Effective intervention requires a dual focus: mitigating toxic job demands and building individual psychological resources through cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, and motivational skill-building approaches.
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