Occupational Stress in the Neuroticism-Burnout Link: An Exploratory Examination of Physiological Contributions

Burnout is a debilitating consequence of chronic occupational stress, yet few studies have simultaneously examined its psychological and physiological correlates. This study tested a mediation model linking neuroticism to burnout, with perceived stress as the primary mediator and wearable-derived physiological indices as an exploratory pathway.

A total of 150 Korean working adults in high-stress occupations completed standardized measures of neuroticism, perceived occupational stress, and burnout. Resting-state frontal electroencephalography (EEG) and photoplethysmography (PPG) signals were collected using the Maumgyeol Basic wearable system to compute EEG indices and heart rate variability (HRV) features. Structural equation modeling, adjusting for age, evaluated parallel mediation via perceived stress and PPG-derived autonomic activity.

Neuroticism was associated with greater perceived stress and reduced PPG-based autonomic flexibility. Perceived stress significantly predicted burnout, whereas the PPG-burnout path showed a nonsignificant negative trend. The indirect effect of neuroticism through perceived stress was significant; in contrast, the indirect effect via PPG-derived autonomic activity did not reach statistical significance. Age was inversely associated with burnout.

Findings identify perceived stress as the primary mediator linking neuroticism to occupational burnout. Although reduced autonomic flexibility was directionally consistent with burnout risk, the physiological pathway was not statistically supported and remains preliminary. Wearable biosignals may serve as complementary indicators of stress-related vulnerability.