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Counseling Psychology and Psychotherapy
2026. Vol. 34, no. 1, 30–49
doi:10.17759/cpp.2026340102
ISSN: 2075-3470 / 2311-9446 (online)

Professional burnout: modern models, factors, and stages of development

 
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Abstract

Relevance. Burnout syndrome remains one of the most significant and widespread issues in modern society. Its relevance stems from growing uncertainty about the future, increased workloads and organizational stress, an accelerating pace of life, and the erosion of boundaries between work and personal life. Despite a long history of research, there is still no consensus on how to conceptualize and measure burnout. The causes and developmental mechanisms of the syndrome also remain unresolved. Objective: to conduct a comprehensive analysis of contemporary international and Russian literature on burnout. Materials and methods. A literature review was performed, encompassing randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Results. The study examines the primary theoretical models, key symptoms, and contributing factors of burnout. Particular attention is given to the cognitive-behavioral model and the factors that sustain the syndrome. Furthermore, the analysis addresses its negative consequences and underscores the importance of preventive measures.

General Information

Keywords: burnout theories, chronic work stress, coping behavior, cognitive-behavioral model, burnout prevention

Journal rubric: Research Reviews

Article type: scientific article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/cpp.2026340102

Received 08.03.2025

Revised 23.10.2025

Accepted

Published

For citation: Lobus, N.V., Tikhonov, I.N., Kargol, I.V. (2026). Professional burnout: modern models, factors, and stages of development. Counseling Psychology and Psychotherapy, 34(1), 30–49. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/cpp.2026340102

© Lobus N.V., Tikhonov I.N., Kargol I.V., 2026

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

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Information About the Authors

Nikolay V. Lobus, Candidate of Science (Biology), 3rd year Master's student, Faculty of Psychology and Psychological Counseling, Department of Quality of Life Psychotherapy, Moscow Institute of Psychoanalysis, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2517-4061, e-mail: lobus.nikolay@gmail.com

Igor N. Tikhonov, Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Diseases Propaedeutics, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0532-9126, e-mail: antihbs@gmail.com

Irina V. Kargol, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychotherapy of Quality of Life, Moscow Institute of Psychoanalysis, Russian Federation, e-mail: irina-kargol@mail.ru

Contribution of the authors

Nikolay V. Lobus — ideas; annotation, writing and design of the manuscript; planning of the research; control over the research.

Igor N. Tikhonov — writing and design of the manuscript.

Irina V. Kargol — writing and design of the manuscript.

All authors participated in the discussion of the results and approved the final text of the manuscript.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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