Conservation of Resources: A General Stress Theory Applied To Burnout

This chapter outlines a general theory of stress termed conservation of resources (COR). It provides an overarching framework to understand the nature of stress as a human phenomenon that is tied to people's experience regardless of the setting or context, be it work, home, hunt, or vacation. COR theory is a basic motivational theory and it is postulated that when this basic motivation is threatened or denied, stress ensues. It may be applied as a theoretical model that explains the etiology of burnout and the processes that are likely to accompany chronic, relatively low-level, work-related stress. COR theory proposes that loss is primary, but let us consider some of the other leading approaches. It suggests…