Cognitive functioning in non-clinical burnout: Using cognitive tasks to disentangle the relationship in a three-wave
Panagiota Koutsimani1, Anthony Montgomery2
1Department of Educational and Social Policy, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Frontiers in Psychiatry
|September 5, 2022
Summary
Cognitive deficits, particularly in visuospatial functioning, may be a consequence of burnout. Family support can help mitigate burnout, depression, anxiety, and cognitive difficulties in employees.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health Psychology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Burnout is linked to cognitive deficits, depression, and anxiety, but causal relationships remain unclear.
- The role of cognitive impairment as a cause or consequence of burnout requires further investigation.
- Prospective associations between burnout, depression, anxiety, and cognitive functioning are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causality between cognitive functioning, burnout, depression, and anxiety in non-clinical employees.
- To explore the cause-effect associations between burnout, depression, and anxiety.
- To examine the protective role of perceived family support against mental health and cognitive issues.
Main Methods:
- A three-wave longitudinal study design was employed.
- Participants from the general working population completed cognitive tasks assessing various domains.
- Self-reported questionnaires measured burnout, depression, anxiety, and perceived family support.
Main Results:
- Deficits in visuospatial functioning were identified as a consequence of burnout.
- Findings suggest automatic processing skills and executive functions are involved in burnout onset.
- Burnout is distinct from, yet reciprocally associated with, depression and anxiety.
- Perceived family support demonstrated a protective effect against cognitive and mental health challenges.
Conclusions:
- Visuospatial deficits are a consequence of burnout, highlighting the role of executive functions.
- Burnout is a distinct but interconnected phenomenon with depression and anxiety.
- Perceived family support is a valuable intervention for individuals experiencing mental health and cognitive difficulties.
Keywords:
anxietyburnoutcognitive functioningcognitive impairmentdepressionlongitudinal studyperceived family supportMore Related Videos
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