Job Stress, Social Support, and Burnout Among Counseling Center Staff

We investigated the effects of stressful job experiences and social support on burnout among counseling center staff. A national sample of 169 doctoral-level staff completed a survey of job stress and social support; social support was assessed as provided by network members and as perceived by respondent. Multiple regression analyses revealed that higher amounts of job stress were associated with higher levels of burnout. Social support from supervisors and colleagues was associated with lower levels of burnout but did not serve a buffering function. We conclude that job demands need to be evaluated in terms of implications for the person who receives certain forms of social support.