Which characteristic identifies the group of professionals most susceptible to severe detachment and inefficacy associated with burnout?

Those who were initially the most dedicated, passionate, and high-achieving.

Paradoxically, the individuals most prone to severe burnout symptoms like detachment and inefficacy are often those who were initially the most committed, passionate, and high-achieving members of their field. This susceptibility arises because these individuals often invest immense personal resources and energy into their work. When the organizational environment or perceived rewards fail to match this level of investment, the resulting imbalance or failure in reciprocity leads to a severe backlash. The energy that was once channeled into dedication becomes depleted, manifesting as the intense exhaustion and subsequent cynicism, meaning the severity of the current burnout often correlates with the intensity of the past professional commitment.