Which phrase best describes the burnout component of increased mental distance, negativity, and cynicism?

• A. Exhaustion
• B. Reduced effectiveness
• C. Increased mental distance, negativity, and cynicism
• D. Sleep disturbance

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is depersonalization. Burnout is described as having three main components: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization (a tendency toward increased mental distance, negativity, and cynicism toward others), and reduced personal accomplishment. The phrase “increased mental distance, negativity, and cynicism” directly describes depersonalization, the aspect of burnout where you start to detach from work and respond with a detached or cynical attitude toward patients and colleagues. This is distinct from exhaustion, which is about feeling physically and emotionally drained, and from reduced effectiveness, which relates to a sense of decreased accomplishment or competence. Sleep disturbance can accompany burnout but isn’t one of the core dimensions.