Burnout and Maladaptive Fatigue Syndrome

These practice flashcards cover the definitions, causes, symptoms, and models of burnout, staleness, and overtraining within sports, including Smith’s Cognitive Affective Model.

How is Staleness defined in the context of an athlete?

A state in which the athlete has difficulty maintaining standard training regimes and can no longer achieve previous results, referring to both a physical and an emotional state.

What are the primary causes of Staleness?

Year-round training, training from a young age, monotony of training, lack of positive reinforcement, abuse and/or strict rules, perceived overload, and perceived low accomplishment.

What is the definition of Overtraining?

Increased quantity of training despite lack of gains.

What are the causes associated with Overtraining?

Intense or prolonged training loads, severe practice conditions, extreme physical fatigue/exhaustion, not enough recovery, and boredom.

How is Burnout defined?

A state of mental, physical and emotional exhaustion.

What is a specific cause listed for Burnout?

Persistent devotion to a goal whose achievement is opposed to reality.

What are the physiological symptoms and warning signs of burnout?

Increased Resting HR, increased blood pressure, weight loss, muscle soreness, hormonal changes, and increased risk for illness/injury.

What are the psychological symptoms and warning signs of burnout?

Negative self-concept, negative attitudes toward work, life and others, loss of energy and purpose, loss of desire to play, substance abuse, and emotional isolation.

What are the stages of The Stress Process in order?

Sensory stimulus, Perception, Cognitive Appraisal, Emotional Arousal, Mind-Body Connection, Physiological Arousal, Physiological Reaction, and Coping Responses.

In Smith’s Cognitive Affective Model of Burnout, what components make up the Situation stage?

High or conflicting demands, overload, low social support, and low rewards.

According to Smith’s model, what characterizes the Cognitive Appraisal stage?

Perceived overload, perceived lack of control, helplessness, and perceived lack of meaning.

What are the Physiological Reactions in Smith’s Cognitive Affective Model?

Tension, anger, insomnia, fatigue, and illness.

What Coping Responses are identified in Smith’s Cognitive Affective Model?

Inappropriate behavior, decreased performance, interpersonal difficulties, and withdrawal.

How is Perfectionism described as a predisposing factor for burnout?

Overachievers with high standards who invest more time than necessary.

What does it mean for an individual to be 'Other-Oriented' in the context of burnout?

Having a need to be liked and please others, which leads to overlooking personal needs.

What behaviors do athletes report when their coaches are perceived as burned out?

Coaches used more dispraise, were more autocratic, displayed less empathy, and displayed poor communication.

What specific pressures contribute to burnout in coaches?

Pressure to win, administrator/parental interference, disciplinary problems, multiple roles, extensive travel, and intense personal involvement.

What factors contribute to burnout in Athletic Trainers?

Type A personality and role ambiguity.

What factors contribute to burnout in Officials?

Making bad calls, role conflict, and internal Locus of control.