Burnout develops when there is a disparity between the individual and one or more of these six factors: “workload, control, rewards, community, fairness, and values”.23 For instance, a partner who does a disproportionate amount of work while the other partner cannot or will not do his/her share is at risk for burnout. Unfamiliar work demands, limited resources, and lack of opportunity to participate in decision-making also contribute to burnout.23 Burnout increases the potential for a partner to neglect the project or leave the partnership.
Gaining support from friends and family and talking openly about issues can help reduce stress, improve one’s outlook, and prevent burnout. Partners should acknowledge their needs and ensure that they are met. Failure to address personal needs can be detrimental to both the individual and the partnership. Seeking help is never a sign of weakness. Partners who are unable to manage stress might consider soliciting assistance from a mental health professional or through an employee assistance program. 24 A strong support system correlates with an aggressive immune response and protection from illness.
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