ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the outcomes of over 250 studies on burnout that can be grouped according to antecedents or possible causes and concomitants or possible consequences. The role of personality characteristics or traits in the development of burnout is a complicated issue. A person's 'locus of control' may either be external or internal: those with an external locus of control attribute events and achievements to powerful others or to chance, whereas those with an internal locus of control ascribe events and achievements to their own ability, effort, or willingness to risk. 'Type-A behaviour' seems to be positively related to burnout, especially to emotional exhaustion. Type- individuals tend to be competitive, prefer a striving, time-pressured lifestyle, and show an excessive need for control. Work and organisational characteristics are divided into four groups: job-related stressors, client-related stressors, social support, and factors that determine self-regulation of work activities.
