Developing and Validating a Process Model of Counselor Burnout: A Serial Mediation Model

Despite advanced definitions and continued research on counselor burnout, attempts to investigate an expanded structure of counselor burnout remain limited. Using a serial mediation, the current study conducted a path analysis of a hypothesized process model using the five dimensions of the Counselor Burnout Inventory. Our research findings support the hypothesized sequential process model of counselor burnout, confirming full mediating effects of Deterioration in Personal Life, Exhaustion, and Incompetence in a serial order on the relationship between Negative Work Environment and Devaluing Client. Suggestions for future research and practical implications for counselors, supervisors, and directors are discussed.