Burnout and Cognitive Performance

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between burnout and cognitive functioning. The associations of depression, anxiety and family support with burnout and cognitive functioning were also examined both independently and as potential moderators of the burnout–cognitive functioning relationship. Seven different cognitive tasks were administered to employees of the general working population and five cognitive domains were assessed; i.e., executive functions, working memory, memory (episodic, visuospatial, prospective), attention/speed of processing and visuospatial abilities. Burnout, depression, anxiety and family support were assessed with the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Family Support Scale respectively. In congruence with the first and fourth (partially) Hypotheses, burnout and perceived family support are significantly associated with some aspects of cognitive functioning. Moreover, in line with the third Hypothesis, perceived family support is inversely related to burnout. However, in contrast to the second and fourth Hypotheses, depression, anxiety and perceived family support do not moderate the burnout–cognitive functioning relationship. Additional results reveal positive associations between burnout depression and anxiety. Overall findings suggest that cognitive deficits, depression and anxiety appear to be common in burnout while they underpin the role of perceived family support in both mental health and cognitive functioning. Implications for practice are discussed.

The relationship between burnout, commuting crashes and drowsy driving among hospital health care workers

“…Burnout has physical, mental and cognitive implications that may put drivers at risk (Koutsimani et al 2021 ; Leiter and Maslach, 2009 ). These include lower cognitive functioning, prolonged fatigue, severe injuries and mortality below the age of 45 years (Koutsimani et al 2021 ; Salvagioni et al 2017 ).…”

“…Burnout has physical, mental and cognitive implications that may put drivers at risk (Koutsimani et al 2021 ; Leiter and Maslach, 2009 ). These include lower cognitive functioning, prolonged fatigue, severe injuries and mortality below the age of 45 years (Koutsimani et al 2021 ; Salvagioni et al 2017 ). Burnout and work stress were found to be risk factors for both traffic crashes and drowsy driving among non-HCWs occupational groups (Useche et al 2017a , b ; Chung and Wu 2013 ; Salvagioni et al 2020 ).…”

Burnout and Cognitive Functioning: Are We Underestimating the Role of Visuospatial Functions?

“…Specifically, Morgan et al ( 24 ) showed the positive effects of personal efficacy on visuospatial functions while Österberg et al ( 25 ) observed lower visuospatial skills in a former group of job burnout patients after their recovery but not on the baseline. Koutsimani et al ( 26 ) found significant associations only between cynicism and visuospatial abilities. Considering that job burnout is an exhaustion disorder one would expect clearer evidence in support of its consequences on visuospatial skills such as a potential negative impact of the exhaustion dimension on this cognitive domain.…”

“…A recent study observed diminished performance on cognitive tasks measuring visuospatial skills among employees who reported high cynicism levels ( 26 ). The researchers also observed that the employees who scored high on cynicism showed worse visuospatial performance comparing to the employees who scored high on exhaustion.…”

The Prevalence of Burnout and Its Associated Factors Among Surgical Specialists in Kuwait Ministry of Health Hospitals

“…Studies in the general population have shown that burnout relates negatively to cognitive functioning and task performance via poorer working memory and increased cognitive failures (18,19). Such negative cognitive effects are of great importance among surgeons, whose work require focus and attention for extended periods of time.…”