A Grounded Theory Study of Burnout among Youth Workers in Korean Immigrant Churches

Abstract

This research aimed to explore the factors that contribute to burnout among Korean (American) youth workers. Twenty youth workers serving at Korean immigrant churches in California participated in in-depth interviews ( n = 20). The four key themes found, include multidimensional contributors to burnout, symptoms of burnout, impact of burnout, and the resolution of burnout. Based on the findings, this study discusses conclusions and implications for helping youth workers deal with a sense of burnout adequately and ways of thriving in their ministry.