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Unidimensional or Multidimensional? Understanding Burnout of Counseling Trainees Using Item Response Theory
1Department of Educational Psychology, Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education University, Norman, OK, USA.
Evaluation & the Health Professions
|July 28, 2025
Summary
This study examined burnout in counseling trainees using item response theory. Results supported a three-factor burnout model, suggesting it is more complex than a single general construct for these students.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Counseling
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Burnout is a significant concern for counseling trainees.
- Understanding the structure of burnout is crucial for accurate assessment and intervention.
- The Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey for Students (MBI-GS(S)) is a common measure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the construct of burnout in counseling trainees.
- To examine the psychometric properties of the MBI-GS(S) using item response theory.
- To determine the most appropriate factor structure for counseling trainee burnout.
Main Methods:
- Employed item response theory (IRT), specifically the graded response model.
- Analyzed data from 246 counseling trainees.
- Conducted multidimensional IRT analysis to obtain item-level information.
Main Results:
- The three-factor solution for counseling trainee burnout was supported by the graded response model.
- Little evidence was found to support a general burnout construct.
- Item discrimination and difficulty parameters were reported.
Conclusions:
- Burnout in counseling trainees is best represented by a three-factor structure, not a single general factor.
- IRT provides valuable item-level insights for refining burnout assessments.
- Findings have implications for training future mental health professionals and addressing trainee burnout.
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