Lived experiences of occupational disruption in relation to masculine identity among a sample of German men with burnout syndrome: A phenomenological study

Introduction The prevalence of stress-related diseases, such as burnout syndrome, is increasing among German men. Previous research, mainly among women, has shown that burnout results in disruptions in everyday life. This study aimed to explore the lived experience of occupational disruption in relation to self-perceived masculine identity among a sample of German men with burnout syndrome.Method A phenomenological study with five individual in-depth interviews was conducted. An interpretative phenomenological analysis for both data collection and data analysis added an interpretative aspect.Findings Participants experienced a breakdown representing the turning point in their burnout experience, which is presented in three themes: 1) Silence before the storm: Functioning while pushing the limits; 2) Storm: Loss of recreational activities and social withdrawal; and 3) Peace: Personal growth, reflecting on needs and emotions.Conclusion German men with burnout experience occupational disruption as a transformative process of loss, breakdown, and reconnection. Despite masculine norms such as independence and self-reliance shaping their coping and help-seeking, participants demonstrated adaptation and identity reconstruction, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive, occupationally focused interventions that foster self-awareness and balance.