A Proof-of-Concept System Dynamics Simulation Model of the Development of Burnout and Recovery Using Retrospective Case Data

Abstract

The phenomenon of burnout is a complex issue, which despite major efforts from researchers and organizations remains hard to prevent. The current literature highlights an increasing global prevalence of employees that are dealing with burnout. What has been largely missing is a more systemic, dynamic, and personal perspective on the interactions of the key determinants of burnout. Burnout can be seen as the outcome of a complex system involving feedback loops between individual mental models, individual behavior, and external social influences. Understanding the feedback loops involved may enable employees and organizations to intervene in burnout trajectories early and effectively. System dynamics (SD) modeling is a methodology that can describe the structure and behavior of a complex system. The current paper describes the development of an SD model of burnout. First, an expert- and literature-informed causal loop diagram (CLD) of burnout is developed. Then, a novel approach is developed to collect personal retrospective scenario data. Finally, the CLD and data are translated into a quantitative SD model. The potential of the SD model is illustrated by simulating the behavior of three realistic personas during the onset of and recovery from burnout. The process of development of an SD model of burnout is presented and the strengths and limitations of the approach are discussed.

Simulation of Burnout Processes by a Multi-order Adaptive Network Model

“…A main difference compared to the current model is that in [5] no second-order adaptation is modelled. A similar difference applies to [12]. Another difference with [5] is that their focus is on the role of dreaming whereas for the current model it is on the informal models from [1] and [4], which were not considered in [5].…”

“…Hence, it has been shown in the literature that many processes including adaptive behaviour, are reflecting a more accurate image of the studied process [11]. Existing studies proposed an adaptive model for the Maslach model or the job demands-resources model [5,12]. However, no relevant study has been published on an adaptive Leiter-Maslach model.…”

Developing a Personalized Integrative Obesity-Coaching Program: A Systems Health Perspective

“…The systems health model was a semi-quantitative CLD built with the TNO proprietary software MARVEL 3.2.11.4 [ 20 , 32 ]. Between 8 and 10 scientists with backgrounds in the above-mentioned scientific disciplines came together during three 4 h group model building sessions over a period of 1 year.…”

“…These determinants contribute to unhealthy behavior and physiology causing overweight and obesity. The key determinants may be different for each individual, and there are many interactions between these determinants with various strengths and speeds over time [ 19 , 20 ]. Overweight and obesity can be conceptualized as the outcome of a multidimensionally complex problem, with sudden changes in patterns of behavior, habits, social connections, events, physiology as well as slow deterioration of these patterns over time, which can result in relatively stable adaptation strategies [ 21 , 22 ].…”

Preceptors' Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes Toward Precepting Dietetic Interns and Training Perceptions

“…Generally, the length of precepting experience did not influence KSAs. However, there was a significant negative correlation between 7-month and 1-year experience and attitudes, explained by the model of the development of burnout and recovery proposed by Veldhuis et al 26 This model suggests that employees experience burnout as demand and effort increases, which occurs when starting a new job or project around 24 weeks (or 6 months). Furthermore, individuals experiencing burnout at this time can have cognitive and emotional functions decline for another 24 weeks (or 12 months poststart), explaining the negatively associated attitude perceptions at this specific time in precepting.…”