It is based on research, theory and practice. It clearly describes what burnout is and what it is not. It is not depression, stress, depersonalisation or anxiety. It is, however, based on a key symptom: an extreme form of energy depletion.
Two concepts explain the core findings: a Gestalt concept called an 'introject', and another that Carl Jung called 'enantiodromia'. These elaborate terms help us identify what burnout is, what causes it and how to get out of it.
The book also focuses on mobilisation of energy in the organisation. Using a psychological framework, it illustrates what happens when organisations get psychologically mixed up. This leads to a feeling of spinning wheels and crossed wires.