Latent profiles of counselor burnout: Associations with self‐discrepancy

Abstract

AbstractThe purpose of this research study was to identify heterogeneous counselor burnout profiles using a latent profile analysis (LPA) and examine the profiles in association with counselors’ personal and professional self‐discrepancies in counselor qualities. Data from 360 practicing professional counselors were used for analysis. LPA identified four distinct profiles: Well‐Adjusted Counselors (n = 167, 46.4%), Disconnected Counselors (n = 68, 18.9%), Impaired Counselors (n = 22, 6.1%), and Persevering Counselors (n = 103, 28.6%). A series of Chi‐square tests indicated there were significant associations between the burnout profiles and self‐discrepancies in some counselor qualities, such as “open‐minded,” “stable,” “dependable,” “consistent,” “empathic,” “optimistic,” “trustworthy,” and “sociable.” Professional counselors are encouraged to identify their burnout profile and address personal and professional self‐discrepancy, which may affect burnout symptomology.