What is the term for the burnout dimension in which service workers objectify their clients?

The correct answer, depersonalization, refers to a stage of burnout where individuals, particularly in service roles, develop a sense of emotional detachment from their clients or patients. This often manifests as treating clients as if they are objects rather than individuals with needs, feelings, and humanity. Depersonalization can serve as a coping mechanism for service workers faced with emotional exhaustion, allowing them to protect their own mental health by distancing themselves from the emotional aspects of their interactions. This distancing can severely impact the quality of service provided and the overall experience for clients, as it undermines empathy and connection, which are essential in service-oriented fields.

In contrast, emotional contagion relates to the process through which individuals pick up and mirror the emotional states of others, and does not specifically pertain to a state of burnout. Empathic concern refers to the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, which is contrary to the concept of depersonalization. Lastly, detached concern involves a balanced approach where care is still extended to clients without an overwhelming emotional investment. While this can be useful in managing burnout, it differs from the negative objectification characteristic of depersonalization.