Bringing light to school counselors' burnout: the role of occupational identity suffering

This study aims to validate a predictive model of school counselors' burnout from occupational activities through occupational identity suffering (OIS). OIS is defined as the psyche battle between the individual's need for professional accomplishment and the inability to recognize one's profession in daily work duties. Tested among 269 guidance counselors working in school settings (Quebec, Canada), the model proposes that OIS is positively predicted by administrative work and negatively predicted by guidance and counseling activities. In turn, OIS should positively predict burnout. Results from structural equation modeling mostly support the model. Implications for prevention of school counselors' burnout are discussed.