A canonical correlation analysis of self-compassion, life balance, and burnout in counselors

Abstract

This quantitative study explored the relationship between counselor burnout (Counselor Burnout Inventory, CBI), life balance (Life Balance Inventory, LBI), and self-compassion (Self-Compassion Scale, SCS) among 331 fully licensed and provisionally licensed counselors throughout the United States with at least 2 years of experience in various clinical settings and providing direct clinical services. Results of two canonical correlation analyses (CCAs) explored the relationship between (a) the subscales of the LBI and the CBI and (b) the subscales of the SCS and the CBI. Both CCAs indicated a statistically significant relationship demonstrating that: (a) increased life balance was associated with lower burnout and (b) increased self-compassion was associated with lower burnout. Counselors experiencing burnout may turn to increasing their life balance or increasing self-compassion practices to increase their quality of life.