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Neuroticism, perfectionism, and emotion suppression in burnout: Implications for cognitive functioning
Charlie Renaud1, Agnes Lacroix1
1Laboratoire de Psychologie, Cognition, Comportement, Communication (LP3C), University of Rennes 2, Rennes, Bretagne, France.
Applied Neuropsychology. Adult
|August 12, 2023
Summary
Burnout may not significantly impair memory or executive functions, despite self-reports. Personality traits like neuroticism and perfectionism influence perceived cognitive decline, not objective test results.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Burnout is often associated with cognitive deficits, including memory, attention, and executive functions.
- Existing research shows inconsistent findings regarding the extent and nature of cognitive impairment in burnout.
- A notable discrepancy exists between self-reported cognitive difficulties and objective neuropsychological assessments in burnout populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between clinical burnout and objective cognitive functions (memory, attention, executive functions).
- To explore the influence of personality traits (perfectionism, neuroticism, emotion suppression) on subjective and objective cognitive performance in burnout.
- To examine the discrepancy between self-perceived and objectively measured cognitive abilities in individuals with burnout.
Main Methods:
- Administered a battery of neuropsychological tests to assess memory, attention, and executive functions.
- Utilized validated questionnaires to measure burnout severity and personality traits (perfectionism, neuroticism, emotion suppression).
- Analyzed data from 29 participants diagnosed with clinical burnout.
Main Results:
- Objective cognitive tests revealed minimal to no impairment in memory or executive functions among participants.
- Participants reported significantly impaired executive function, contrasting with objective findings.
- Neuroticism and perfectionism correlated with poorer self-reported executive function.
- Emotion suppression was associated with better self-reported executive function.
- No significant correlations were found between personality traits and objective neuropsychological test scores.
Conclusions:
- Clinical burnout may not inherently cause significant objective deficits in memory or executive functions.
- Subjective cognitive complaints in burnout appear influenced by personality factors rather than actual cognitive decline.
- The discrepancy between self-perception and objective performance highlights the complex interplay of psychological factors in burnout.
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