Abstract: This study explores the multifaceted nature of burnout, delving into its roots in individual vulnerabilities and institutional practices under the lens of sociocultural and ideological frameworks. Historically linked to professions with intense public interaction, the burnout phenomenon is recognized through several symptoms, such as exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced efficacy, greatly impacting both personal wellbeing and professional productivity. This study critically analyzes how sociocultural ideologies shape perceptions and responses to burnout, proposing that merely focusing on individual or immediate institutional solutions overlooks deeper societal influences. Using psychoanalytical frameworks, the study illuminates the symbolic interactions between individual psyches and their sociocultural milieus, which perpetuate burnout. The key findings suggest that solutions to burnout should not only address individual symptoms but also incorporate systemic changes that consider sociocultural contexts. Such comprehensive approaches are essential for sustainable interventions. This research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of burnout, urging a shift toward integrating sociocultural dynamics in addressing the syndrome. The implications extend beyond individual recovery, proposing changes that could reshape institutional practices and cultural perceptions of work, health, and wellbeing.
Rom J Psychoanal 2024, 17(1):125-140
DOI: 10.26336/rjp-2024-0011