USJ Doctoral Talk Examines Social Acceleration and Burnout Through an Interdisciplinary Lens
USJ Doctoral Talk Examines Social Acceleration and Burnout Through an Interdisciplinary Lens
23
Feb
23/02/2026
A USJ Doctoral Talk featuring Dr. Agemir Bavaresco’s Talk titled “Social Acceleration, Resonance, and Social Energy: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Understanding Burnout and Meaning in Life” was held on 13 February.
A USJ Doctoral Talk was hosted on 13 February at the University of Saint Joseph featuring Dr. Agemir Bavaresco. The Talk, titled “Social Acceleration, Resonance, and Social Energy: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Understanding Burnout and Meaning in Life” addressed the growing phenomenon of chronic fatigue and burnout, situating it not merely as an individual psychological issue but as a symptom of broader social dynamics.
The topic holds particular relevance in a contemporary world defined by constant connectivity, fast-paced communication, and increasing demands on productivity. As mental health challenges become more prevalent across societies and in the Macao SAR, there is a growing need for analytical frameworks that can connect personal experiences of distress to the structural conditions of modern life. Understanding these connections is essential for developing more effective, holistic approaches to well-being, whether in clinical settings, workplace policy, or community building.
Addressing the pervasive issues of chronic fatigue and burnout, Dr. Bavaresco challenged individualistic explanations, positing these as symptoms of an accelerated social existence that depletes energy and obstructs meaning. Drawing on the work of the sociologist Hartmut Rosa, the lecture presented an integrated understanding of social acceleration, resonance, and social energy, moving beyond psychologization. The talk explored acceleration’s various dimensions from philosophy, sociology, and mental health discourse, the concept of social energy bridging structure and experience, and resonance as a transformative relational form.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, during which students engaged with the speaker on the applicability of these concepts to the specific cultural and social context of Macao and the wider East Asian region.
USJ’s Doctoral programmes provide a structured environment for researchers to investigate pressing social issues from multiple perspectives.
