Job Stress and Burnout

Stress, like depression, is a universal experience. Both are generally self-limitingand may even prove to be beneficialin terms of personal growth. In some circumstances, however, stress and depression may become excessiveor morbid, and lead to considerabledisability. The association of stress with physical and psychological disorders has aroused much controversy over the years, but the particular subject of 'burnout' has received com paratively little attention in Britain. In the USA, on the other hand, job stress and the burnout stress syndrome (BOSS) have stirred up great interest, as demonstrated by the writings of Jones' and Cherniss.2 They suggest that a high level of occupational stress leads to physical and emotional exhaustion, with consequent loss of efficiency. The condi tion is thought to affect particularly those in the helpingpro fessions and in responsibleadministrative positions. Critics of the concept suggest that burnout is merely a trendy name for boredom or an alternative label for the mid- life crisis. But the present writer believesthat few willread a description of the syndrome without recognizing in them selves or in their colleagues at least some of the signs and