Abstract
Leaders in the counseling profession face many demands. The purpose of this quantitative regression analysis study was to determine if there was a predictive relationship between the independent variables of stress and resiliency and dependent variables of burnout, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment among leaders in the counseling profession. Transformational leadership theory and resilience theory were applied as the theoretical framework of this study, and the cross-sectional data collection method was used. Data were collected through anonymous online surveys from a purposive sample of 75 counseling leaders. Data analysis methods included descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions. Results indicated that all counseling leaders were struggling with burnout—regardless of levels of stress and resiliency—and there was a statistically significant relationship between stress, resiliency, and burnout; stress, resiliency, and emotional exhaustion; stress and depersonalization; and stress, resiliency, and personal accomplishment. Further research is recommended to investigate other variables that predict burnout among leaders in the counseling profession, as well as ways in which leaders in the counseling profession may be supported to minimize their challenges. Experts may use the results from this study to initiate social change related to the enhancement of leadership and leadership behavior education and training.
