Latent profiles of counselor burnout: Associations with self-discrepancy

Abstract

The 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.