Burnout and Radicalization: How Overwork Can Lead to Extremist Attitudes

Recent research highlights a disturbing connection between workplace exhaustion and the emergence of extremist attitudes. When employees experience burnout—characterized by emotional fatigue, frustration, and a sense of meaninglessness—they may become more susceptible to radical ideas, including justifications for violence. A study involving daily surveys of over 600 workers found that higher levels of burnout correlated with increased sympathy towards extremist beliefs, especially those endorsing violence against perceived injustices. Psychological theories such as General Strain Theory, the existential model of burnout, and Significance Quest Theory help explain this phenomenon, emphasizing how negative emotional states and a search for purpose can push individuals toward radicalization.

The research underscores that burnout isn’t just a matter of individual well-being but can have broader societal implications. While it doesn’t imply that burnt-out individuals will inevitably turn violent, it does suggest that persistent emotional distress can create a fertile ground for extremist ideologies to flourish. Organizational support plays a crucial role; employees who feel valued and supported are less likely to develop harmful attitudes, though support is most effective when provided early, before negative emotions solidify.

Given that workplace burnout affects approximately three out of four employees, its potential role in fostering radical ideas calls for increased attention to organizational practices. Employers are encouraged to foster fairness, transparency, and open communication to mitigate burnout and its associated risks. Recognizing and addressing burnout is essential not only for employee health but also for maintaining social stability and democratic values in an increasingly polarized world. Societal recognition of burnout as a key psychological stressor can help prevent it from fueling extremist sympathies and actions.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-burnt-radicalized-workplace-exhaustion-extremist.html