Narratives of burnout and recovery from an agency perspective: A two-year longitudinal study

Abstract

Purpose

To provide knowledge about the recovery process during rehabilitation and two years later by exploring the manifestation of agency and spheres of meaning in the narratives of participants in a national rehabilitation course.

Material and methods

The subjects of the study were four participants in a national rehabilitation course, whose burnout levels had decreased between the initial and follow-up periods of the course. Semi-structured interviews on two occasions and an electronic questionnaire 1.5 years post rehabilitation comprised the main material. In addition, the BBI -15 (Bergen Burnout Indicator) and DEPS-screen were used.

Results

Thematic narrative analysis revealed highly individual and heterogeneous paths of recovery. The first parts of the narratives demonstrated a high degree of proxy and collective agency. As recovery progressed personal agency was strengthened. The spheres of meaning participants attached to their stories also varied, with the rehabilitation course and the professionals involved being viewed as morally good. Three major common themes were identified: 1) the benefits of the rehabilitation course; 2) supervisor support; and 3) personal factors.

Conclusions

Burnout and recovery are not the consequence of work-related or individual-related factors alone, but rather the outcome of a combination of these. Regardless of common factors, the process and the degree of recovery may vary. The most beneficial path was observed when personal agency was high and was reinforced by a supportive job environment and favourable personal factors.