Stimulus, response and feedback processing in burnout : an EEG study

Professional burnout is a syndrome that is characterized by psychophysical or emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and diminished professional efficacy. Research on burnout often indicates deficits in cognitive functioning, such as memory problems or impaired voluntary control over attention. Many studies focus on behavioral and self-reported measures of burnout consequences; however, a limited number have focused on its consequences on a neural level. In our EEG study (N = 88; 42 with burnout), we analyzed the event-related potentials (ERP) associated with stimulus, response and feedback processing using two experimental procedures - the Go/NoGo Task and the Doors Task. Our results show that while there is no difference in performance between burnout and control group, on the neural level there are significant differences in all analyzed aspects of information processing: stimulus, response and feedback processing, indicated by the N200 and P300, Pe, and P200 event-related potentials, respectively.