Burnout or boreout: A meta-analytic review and synthesis of burnout and boreout literature in hospitality and tourism

Abstract

Boreout is a psychological state of intense boredom and apathy. It occurs when a task lacks mental stimuli (i.e., menial tasks). Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. Boreout and burnout are inversely related concepts with similar antecedents and consequences. Tourism and hospitality scholars and practitioners are desperate to understand the potential antecedents and consequences of boreout as well as mediators and moderators. Due to the scarcity of boreout-related studies, this meta-review identifies variables associated with burnout and cross-fertilizes their relevance in the boreout domain. A total of 111 articles published between 1990 and 2020 were reviewed, several applicable research propositions and theoretical frameworks are prescribed, and conclusions as to future directions for research on boreout are highlighted.