Burnout among School Psychologists in the USA

Abstract

A heterogeneous sample of NASP members responded to a survey that included the Maslach Burnout Inventory and a demographic and job functions questionnaire. The results cross-validated the findings of a previous, recent national survey that indicated that symptoms of burnout occur frequently among practicing school psychologists. Using Maslach and Jackson's (1986) multidimensional model of burnout, 25 percent of the sample reported high levels of emotional exhaustion, 3 percent reported high depersonalization and 12 percent reported low levels of personal accomplishment. A total of 35 percent indicated some desire to leave the profession altogether within the next five years. Levels of burnout were associated with school psychologists' ratings of importance and self-perceived competence with regard to various job functions. Positive correlations between intervention-related competencies and personal accomplishment were particularly noteworthy. Implications for further research and training are highlighted.