Psychological distress and substance abuse counselors: an exploratory pilot study of multiple dimensions of burnout

Abstract

Those working in human services have a high susceptibility to burnout due to the counselor or clinician’s feelings of responsibility for the well-being of clients. Substance abuse counselors are at a higher risk for experiencing burnout because substance abusers have the potential to be more demanding than other client groups. The current exploratory pilot study seeks to examine the multiple constructs of burnout in substance abuse counselors. Fifty substance abuse counselors completed a survey to assess their levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, confidence in therapeutic success and negative attitudes towards their substance abusing clients. Results showed that counselors exhibit high levels of depersonalization after continued interpersonal interactions. Results also showed that emotional exhaustion is a significant predictor of whether or not a person will choose to remain a counselor in the area of substance abuse treatment. Depersonalization, confidence in therapeutic success and negative attitudes towards clients predicted levels of emotional exhaustion. The results of this study demonstrate a need to further explore the occupationally specific dimensions of burnout for substance abuse counselors in order to protect their own mental health and well-being, and their relationships with clients.

• Burnout
• depersonalization
• emotional exhaustion
• self-efficacy
• substance abuse counselors

Declaration of interest

The author declares no conflicts of interests. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of this article.