[Professional burnout: concept and critique of the burnout process, value of exploratory research in a prison milieu].

The aim of this study is to suggest a critical analysis of burnout. In France, empirical studies devoted to the concept of burnout seem to be mainly focusing health on the professionals. However, a double limit persists. Firstly, the low number of current French publications. Secondly, the soundness of the theoretical models which consider the cognitive perception of subjects towards organizations. The analysis of theoretical issues confirms the considerable deficit of exploratory studies with correctional officers. Finally, we underline the interest to carry out an exploratory study applying to the subjects in order to release: sources of dissatisfaction related to work, their biopsychosocial consequences, in particular external constraints related to work, determinants of socialization and burnout.