Gender differences in burnout, empowerment and somatic symptoms among health professionals: moderators and mediators

Considers the issue of occupational stress and burn‐out which has received increasing attention. Suggests that stress and burn‐out are significant factors in the development of various illnesses. Defines burn‐out as a reaction to chronic difficulty in controlling stress among helping professionals, a syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and a lack of personal accomplishment. Presents evidence that women report significantly lower levels of burn‐out and higher feelings of empowerment in their work, and higher levels of somatic symptoms.