Why Self-Care Matters: Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout in High-Risk Groups
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Authors
Di Maria, Stephanie
Issue Date
2025-09-29
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
self-care , burnout , stress , stress management , chronic stress , stress reduction interventions , biology of stress , exercise , psychological self-care , burnout prevention
Alternative Title
Abstract
Stress and burnout are escalating public health concerns, particularly among high-risk groups such as teachers, parents, students, and healthcare professionals. Grounded in Lazarus and Folkman’s (1984) Stress and Coping Theory, this literature review explores the biopsychosocial mechanisms of stress and burnout, identifies vulnerable populations, and evaluates the efficacy of various self-care interventions. Chronic stress is shown to dysregulate biological systems, contributing to emotional exhaustion, cognitive dysfunction, and diminished professional efficacy. The review synthesizes findings from 37 peer-reviewed sources, highlighting self-care as a critical protective factor that operates across physical, emotional, psychological, and relational domains. Interventions such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral strategies, exercise, and social support are shown to mitigate stress and reduce burnout symptoms. While no single self-care approach is universally effective, personalized and systemic strategies are necessary for long-term well-being. The paper concludes with recommendations for integrating self-care into educational and professional systems, emphasizing the importance of proactive, trauma-informed, and inclusive practices.
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Citation
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License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess