ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that the concept can easily be expanded to mean anything, so that there is the danger that in the end it does not mean anything at all. It discusses several definitions of burnout that emphasise the specific and distinctive nature of the syndrome. The chapter shows that burnout can be differentiated from related concepts like job stress, depression, and chronic fatigue. In interpersonal contacts with others the burned-out professional can be irritable and oversensitive but also cool and unemotional. The last is illustrated by the fact that lessened emotional empathy with recipients has been observed among burnout victims. One of the most characteristic symptoms of burnout at the interpersonal level is the decreased involvement with recipients. Cognitively, this is reflected by a cynical and dehumanising perception of recipients characterised by negativism, pessimism, lessened empathy and stereotyping. Behavioural burnout-symptoms can also be found off the job. Burned-out professionals might take their work problems home.
