Burnout And Stress: New Insights And Interventions

Scientific Reports, Published online: 11 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-92909-6

Burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment, has become increasingly prevalent in modern society, particularly among healthcare professionals. The chronic stress experienced in these demanding roles significantly contributes to the development of burnout. This editorial reviews recent research findings on burnout and stress, focusing on findings from Scientific Reports' Collection on the topic. We explore the role of both systemic factors and individual vulnerabilities in contributing to burnout across various contexts, from healthcare settings to academia. Recent studies highlight the role of protective psychological factors such as optimism, humor, and resilience in mitigating burnout, while also emphasizing how hope and self-efficacy can mediate the relationship between stress and professional burnout. Moral injury and systemic inefficiencies faced by healthcare professionals were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis of cognitive-behavioral stress-management competencies reveals that proactive approaches, particularly planning and prevention, are more effective than reactive methods in managing stress. The evidence suggests that effective interventions must address both systemic issues (such as excessive workloads and resource constraints) and individual factors (through resilience-building and stress-management training). A holistic approach combining institutional support with individual empowerment strategies is essential for mitigating burnout and stress and enhancing collective well-being in professional settings.