The Psychology of Resilience and Burnout

In episode three of Ethics at Work, we are joined by Laura Miller-Graff ‘08, an associate professor of Psychology and Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Prof. Miller-Graff’s work centers on the impact of violence on childhood development, and the human capacity for resilience in conflict settings. She’s concerned with questions of psychological well-being, post-traumatic stress, and the efficacy of interventions for violence-exposed individuals and communities. Through her work, she seeks to develop culturally appropriate, cost-effective psychosocial interventions, paying particular attention to vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and adolescents living amidst chronic sociopolitical conflict.

We ask Dr. Miller-Graff to draw on her extensive research background in stress, resilience, and trauma, to help us think about stress and burnout in the workplace. With her expertise in investigating how various systems interact to promote or inhibit healthy development after exposure to violence, she shares insights about how the principles she’s uncovered can translate to corporate settings, where violence may not be physical, but the traumatic effects of chronic stress can nonetheless be detrimental.

Along the way, the Ethics at Work team poses questions about stress (is it always bad?), burnout (how do psychologists think about it?), and happiness at work. Join us for a fascinating take across disciplines on a topic relevant to anyone who’s experienced stress or burnout in their own working lives.

The Ethics at Work podcast is edited and produced by Nat Todaro and Megan Levis. To learn more about the Ethics at Work project you can find us at ethicsatwork.nd.edu.