Striving for Fulfillment: A Grounded Theory of the Transformation of Burnout to Well-Being

Abstract

Cultivating and maintaining one’s well-being can be necessary yet difficult when navigating life and work challenges. One such challenge is the growing prevalence and intensity of occupational burnout (Krisberg, 2018; Shanafelt et al., 2022). Although burnout has been extensively investigated for decades, limited research is available on the full scope of the burnout experience and the process of reaching fulfillment from a state of depletion.

The purpose of this classic grounded theory study was to develop a theory about the main concern for people who have felt like they have nothing left to give at work and the patterns of behavior used to resolve this concern. Data sources included 18 initial interviews, two follow-up interviews, three articles, and five songs. The sample of participants was diverse by race and occupation but geographically limited to the United States and Canada. Initial data collection and analysis revealed that the main concern of the participants was burnout, or being in a state of multidimensional exhaustion, while also longing and reaching for fulfillment. Further theoretical sampling and constant comparative analysis revealed the theory of striving for fulfillment. This theory was generated through the six stages of classic grounded theory: preparation, data collection, data analysis, memoing, sorting and theoretical outlining, and writing up the theory.

The theory of striving for fulfillment explains how an individual reaches fulfillment from a state of burnout through four overlapping phases of confliction, depletion, transition, and transformation. Each phase involves experiences and patterns that portray a holistic metamorphosis that unfolds while venturing through one’s outer world of work, relationships, and life and one’s inner landscape of emotions, beliefs, and thoughts. With respect to a person’s identity and context, striving for fulfillment can be a uniquely transformative experience.

The theory of striving for fulfillment may aid in efforts for the prevention, management, and recovery of burnout for individuals, organizations, and communities. This theory may also provide language and concepts to support healing and well-being during or after stressful times. Striving for fulfillment is a broad theory, and many concepts that emerged in this study may provide areas for future research.