Spring 1982 - Athletic Training History

CEU Credit QuizThe Burnout SyndromeAmong Athletic TrainersJoe Gieck, EdD, RPT, ATCRobert S. Brown, PhD, MDRobert H. Shank, MS, ATCABSTRACTStress affects people in all health professions, includingthe athletic trainer. The purpose of this paper is toinvestigate the causes, effects, and the use of modifiers toreduce the effects of stress for health professionals.The burnout syndrome is often seen in the individualwho feels guilty for taking time off for work. His quality ofwork decreases while his quantity increases. Excessivedevotion to his profession with gratification only from hisjob exemplify the burnout syndrome.Physiological, psychological and behavorial changestake place. Constant giving drains him, often causing anegative or sarcastic personality.The use of modifiers to reduce stress include: an activeoutside life, exercise, creation of a positive perspective,analysis of job stress, job duties and occupational goals.Dr. Gieck is the Head Athletic Trainer and Assistant Professorat the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.Dr. Brown practices Psychiatry in Charlottesville where he isalso Professor of Education and Clinical Associate Professor ofPsychiatry at the University of Virginia. His research is focusedon the role of exercise in mental health. He is a member of theSports Medicine Committee of the Medical Society of Virginia.Robert Shank is head athletic trainer at Dickinson College.36 Athletic Training • Spring 1982Flexibility in the job and control of job environment alsoreduce stress.BURNOUT SYNDROMEIntroductionThe lifestyles of those employed in an athleticsetting by nature is stressful. Tothe public it is glamourous and exciting. To the athletictrainer it may begin this way, but unless constantawareness of the potential stresses, and active solutionsare employed to defuse these stresses, the trainer is a candidatefor the syndrome of burnout. Burnout effects thosein their first year of employment, and those with manyyears experience.The long hours, heavy work loads, and pressingresponsibilities of the Industrial Revolution have beenreplaced by easier work conditions, but the stresses oftoday's work produce more physical illness and anxieties. 1Freud saw work as a basis for attaching the individualfirmly to reality, "work...gives him a secure place in aportion of reality in the human community." Not only thatit was essential for one's economic base and socialusefullness, but also that it served as a vehicle for the