When Listening Hurts: How Attentive Listening Can Backfire

Listening is a profoundly effective act that can deepen intimacy, build trust, and strengthen social bonds, but it can also be emotionally draining.

We found in our study that the more effort teachers put into listening, the more they reported feeling burned out, despite other positive factors.

Emotions are contagious; when we absorb others' emotional challenges, it can become draining, leading to stress if we do not set boundaries.

Setting emotional boundaries while listening provides a means of support for others while preventing our own burnout and maintaining mental well-being.

Read at Psychology Today