Question

Physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and lowered selfefficacy attributable to chronic work-related stress is referred to as: A. learned helplessness. B. burnout. C. fallout. D. posttraumatic stress disorder.

Short answer

Answer: Burnout

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the definition

Read and carefully analyze the given definition: "Physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and lowered selfefficacy attributable to chronic work-related stress." The definition describes a state in which the person experiences not just exhaustion but also negative feelings such as cynicism and lowered self-belief due to ongoing workplace stress.

Analyzing the options

Analyze the four options provided: A. Learned helplessness: This term refers to a state where an individual believes they have no control over their situation and any efforts to change it would be futile. This doesn't match the given definition as it doesn't involve exhaustion, cynicism, or selfefficacy. B. Burnout: Burnout is a state of chronic work-related stress which results in physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and lowered selfefficacy. It could be a close match to the given definition. C. Fallout: Fallout typically refers to negative consequences or aftermath. It doesn't directly relate to work-related stress and doesn't match the definition given. D. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a mental health condition that occurs after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. While it involves stress, it is not specifically related to chronic work-related stress and doesn't match the definition provided.

Select the correct option

Based on the analysis of each option and their relation to the given definition, the correct term is: B. Burnout

Key concepts

Chronic Stress

Chronic stress is a response to emotional pressure experienced over a prolonged period of time in which an individual perceives they have little or no control. It's different from acute stress, which is the body's immediate reaction to a new challenge, event, or demand, and after it's over, the body returns to its normal state.

Continuous exposure to stressors can lead to a constant state of alert, which negatively affects the body and brain. Symptoms of chronic stress include irritability, anxiety, depression, headaches, and insomnia. When related to the workplace, this condition manifests as ongoing tension due to work pressures, meeting deadlines, managing relationships, or handling multiple responsibilities. These factors can wear down an individual's energy and morale, leading to the feeling of being burned out.

Coping with Chronic Stress

• Prioritize tasks and take breaks to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
• Exercise regularly, which has been shown to reduce stress levels.
• Seek social support to alleviate the emotional burden.
• Consider professional help, like therapy, to learn stress management strategies.

Chronic stress has serious health implications, such as heart disease and a weakened immune system, so it's important to recognize and address it before it leads to burnout.

Emotional Exhaustion

Emotional exhaustion is a state of feeling emotionally drained and depleted of emotional resources. This condition is often the result of prolonged periods of intense stress and high demands that outstrip an individual's capacity to cope.

Emotional exhaustion is a key component in the concept of burnout, especially in work environments. It manifests as a lack of energy, a feeling of helplessness, and being overburdened. Individuals may struggle to maintain their enthusiasm for work, with decreased levels of performance and satisfaction.

Recognizing Emotional Exhaustion

• Frequent feelings of apathy or indifference towards work.
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or sleep disturbances.
• Detachment from one's job and colleagues.
• A decline in productivity and work quality.

To counteract emotional exhaustion, it's important to find ways to recharge and regain energy, like adequate sleep, hobbies, and setting aside time for relaxation. Employers can also help by providing a supportive work environment and recognizing the signs early to prevent full-blown burnout.

Self-Efficacy

Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their ability to exert control over their own functioning and over events that affect their lives. This concept plays a significant role in how one approaches goals, challenges, and tasks.

A person with high self-efficacy believes they can meet challenges head-on and effectively deal with them, while someone with low self-efficacy may doubt their abilities and, as a result, may become less willing to face challenges or even avoid them altogether, which can impact their performance negatively.

Building Self-Efficacy

• Set manageable goals to build confidence through achievement.
• Seek constructive feedback to understand how to improve and succeed.
• Witness others successfully completing tasks, which can strengthen self-efficacy through social modeling.
• Reduce stress and anxiety to maintain a focus on capability rather than limitation.

Higher levels of self-efficacy can act as a buffer against work-related stress and contribute to a lower risk of burnout, as individuals believe they have the resources and the ability to handle workplace demands.