Abstract: The study is dedicated to the investigation of the burn-out syndrome in the university lectures. There is a consensus of opinion among most of researchers that the syndrome is a consequence of the professional activity. The present study suggests that the emotional burn-out is primarily the result of action of personal factors. The objective of this study was the investigation of the fundamental professional features of the university lecturers determining development of the emotional burn-out syndrome. The data obtained as the result of the procedures used show that the determining personal features in terms of formation of the emotional burn-out syndrome in the university lecturers are inadequate self-esteem, low, poorly developed communicative skills, high level of anxiety and the external locus of control. This approach is promising for explanation of the emotional burn-out syndrome and prevention thereof.