AbstractsPsychology

The unique nature, challenges, and demands of rural counseling has been linked to higher rates of burnout and turnover among rural counselors in comparison to their urban and suburban counterparts. The current study examined the relationship between burnout and selected variables among professional counselors working in rural settings. A review of the literature indicated that multiple relationships, confidentiality, competence and training, lower compensation, lack of privacy, and personal and professional isolation were the variables most frequently identified as problematic for rural counselors. Data from 127 respondents were analyzed using multiple regression models. Individually, the independent variables were significant predictors of burnout, however, only confidentiality, lower compensation, lack of privacy, and personal and professional isolation were significant predictors in the multiple regression models.