Anna Katharina Schaffner Biography
Anna Katharina Schaffner is a prominent writer, burnout coach, and professor of cultural history at the University of Kent. She has built a career exploring the intersections of history, psychology, and literature, particularly focusing on the cultural and historical dimensions of exhaustion and self-improvement. Schaffner is known for her works such as Exhaustion: A History (2016), which examines how human beings have grappled with the concept of exhaustion throughout history, and The Art of Self-Improvement: Ten Timeless Truths (2021), where she explores the long-standing tradition of self-help practices.
Schaffner combines academic insights with practical applications in her role as a coach, where she helps individuals overcome burnout and rediscover their purpose using techniques from both modern coaching methods and ancient wisdom. She is also an executive coach specializing in dealing with stress, fatigue, and personal development.
Her research and writing have been featured in multiple high-profile publications, including The Guardian, Psychology Today, and National Geographic, and she has been involved in several interdisciplinary projects that investigate societal changes, sustainability, and self-optimization. Currently, she holds a fellowship at the Hamburg Institute of Advanced Studies (HIAS), where she is working on a new monograph about the global history of self-improvement.
Anna Katharina Schaffner Age
Anna Katharina Schaffner’s age is not publicly disclosed.
Anna Katharina Schaffner Nationality
Anna Katharina Schaffner is German by nationality.
Anna Katharina Schaffner Educational Background
Anna Katharina Schaffner has a distinguished educational background that spans multiple disciplines and international institutions. She earned her Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Edinburgh between 2001 and 2006. Prior to this, she completed her MSc in Comparative Literature at the same institution from 2000 to 2001. Her foundational academic training includes an Intermediate Exam in English and American Studies from Humboldt University in Berlin, which she completed between 1997 and 2000.
In addition to her formal academic studies, Schaffner expanded her expertise by pursuing a Foundation Course in Psychoanalysis from the Institute of Psychoanalysis in London from 2012 to 2013. Furthermore, in 2019, she obtained a mBIT Coach certification from Canterbury, enhancing her qualifications as an executive coach.
Anna Katharina Schaffner Career
Anna Katharina Schaffner is an accomplished academic, writer, and burnout coach whose career spans multiple disciplines, including cultural history, psychology, and literature. Her work primarily focuses on the history and cultural interpretations of exhaustion, self-improvement, and human well-being. Over the years, Schaffner has made significant contributions to both academia and the wellness industry, blending modern scientific approaches with ancient wisdom to address issues like burnout and fatigue. She has written several acclaimed books and has served as a professor at the University of Kent, UK, while also engaging in public speaking, coaching, and interdisciplinary research projects.
Academic Contributions and Research Focus
Throughout her academic career, Schaffner has delved deeply into the history of emotions, particularly exhaustion, stress, and self-improvement. Her research often explores how cultural, historical, and technological shifts influence human well-being. Schaffner’s interest in the subject led to the publication of her groundbreaking book Exhaustion: A History in 2016, which examined how different societies throughout history have understood and coped with exhaustion. By contextualizing modern-day phenomena like burnout, she offered a comprehensive overview of how cultural narratives shape our understanding of physical and emotional fatigue​.
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Literature and Criticism
In addition to her research on exhaustion, Schaffner is a literary critic and has written extensively on modernism, psychoanalysis, and literary theory. Her work, Modernism and Perversion (2012), explores the intersection of modernist literature and psychoanalytic thought, analyzing how early 20th-century literature reflected shifting cultural attitudes toward sexuality and psychology.
Public Engagement and Writing
Beyond academia, Schaffner has written for several public outlets, including The Guardian, Psychology Today, and The Los Angeles Review of Books. In these publications, she shares her insights on topics ranging from burnout and self-care to the philosophical implications of modern working conditions. Her ability to translate complex academic theories into practical advice for a broader audience has earned her a prominent place in the wellness and self-improvement community.
Burnout and Executive Coaching
In recent years, Schaffner has expanded her career into burnout coaching and hypnotherapy. Her coaching practice is rooted in her academic research but also draws from practical, evidence-based techniques like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and co-active coaching. Through her coaching, she helps clients manage exhaustion, regain purpose, and overcome mental and emotional fatigue. Her clients range from executives and professionals to individuals struggling with work-life balance.
Speaking and Public Appearances
Schaffner is also a sought-after public speaker, regularly appearing at conferences, workshops, and media outlets to discuss issues related to exhaustion, stress, and self-improvement. Her talks often focus on the cultural and psychological roots of burnout and offer practical strategies for managing stress in both personal and professional settings. Her deep understanding of history and literature, combined with her practical coaching experience, gives her a unique perspective on the modern challenges people face in maintaining emotional well-being.
Writing on Self-Improvement
In 2021, Schaffner published The Art of Self-Improvement: Ten Timeless Truths, which explores the enduring human fascination with self-improvement across different cultures and historical periods. In the book, she identifies recurring themes and practices that have shaped the self-help genre and offers insights into why the desire for self-improvement remains such a powerful motivator.
Interdisciplinary Work and Collaborations
Schaffner’s career is marked by her commitment to interdisciplinary work. She has collaborated with scholars from various fields, including psychology, literature, and philosophy, to explore how different disciplines can contribute to a better understanding of human well-being. Her involvement with research collectives, such as Perspectiva, highlights her belief in the importance of integrating multiple perspectives to address complex social and psychological issues.
Current Projects and Future Directions
Currently, Schaffner is working on new projects that continue to explore the intersections of culture, psychology, and well-being. Her ongoing research includes a monograph on the global history of self-improvement, which aims to offer a comprehensive view of how different cultures have approached the concept of personal growth. In addition, she continues to coach individuals and organizations, helping them navigate the challenges of modern life while maintaining emotional and mental health.
Anna Katharina Schaffner Books
Here is a list of books authored by Anna Katharina Schaffner:
- Exhaustion: A History (2016)
This book examines the cultural and historical evolution of exhaustion and burnout, tracing how different societies have understood and dealt with fatigue over the centuries
- The Art of Self-Improvement: Ten Timeless Truths (2021)
Schaffner explores the long history of self-improvement across cultures, identifying key principles that have shaped the self-help genre and its enduring appeal.
- Modernism and Perversion: Sexual Deviance in Sexology and Literature, 1850–1930 (2012)
This work analyzes the intersections between modernist literature, psychoanalysis, and cultural attitudes towards sexuality in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- The Truth About Julia (2016)
Schaffner’s debut novel, a psychological thriller, which explores themes of radicalization, truth, and manipulation.
- Exhausted: An A-Z for the Weary (2024)
Her latest book, providing practical advice and insights on dealing with exhaustion and burnout, framed as an accessible A-to-Z guide.
Anna Katharina Schaffner Personal Life and Family
Anna Katharina Schaffner lives with her partner and daughter in a quaint English cathedral town. However, specific details about her partner and daughter are not publicly disclosed.
Anna Katharina Schaffner Net Worth
Anna Katharina Schaffner has an estimated net worth of $3.5 million as of 2024.
FAQs
Who is Anna Katharina Schaffner?
Anna Katharina Schaffner is a writer, burnout coach, and professor of cultural history. She is known for her academic work on exhaustion and self-improvement and has authored several notable books, including Exhaustion: A History and The Art of Self-Improvement.
What is Anna Katharina Schaffner’s area of expertise?
Schaffner specializes in the cultural history of emotions, with a focus on exhaustion, burnout, and self-improvement. She is also a qualified executive coach, helping people overcome stress and rediscover purpose.
What books has Anna Katharina Schaffner written?
Her most notable books include Exhaustion: A History (2016), The Art of Self-Improvement: Ten Timeless Truths (2021), and Exhausted: An A-Z for the Weary (2024). She has also written a novel titled The Truth About Julia (2016).
What is her coaching approach?
Schaffner integrates evidence-based coaching techniques such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Co-Active Coaching, along with ancient wisdom, to help clients navigate burnout and exhaustion.
What led her to become a burnout coach?
After experiencing burnout in academia, Schaffner transitioned to a career in coaching. She now helps individuals and professionals overcome similar challenges by leveraging her personal experience and academic insights.
What topics does she address in her public talks?
Schaffner frequently speaks about the history and causes of exhaustion, stress management, and strategies for self-improvement. She has presented at conferences and appeared in various media outlets, including BBC Radio 4, The Guardian, and National Geographic.
Where did Anna Katharina Schaffner work as a professor?
She served as a professor of cultural history at the University of Kent in the UK before transitioning to full-time coaching and writing.
