Burnout is a syndrome consisting of physical and emotional exhaustion resulting from negative self-concept, negative job attitudes, and loss of concern for clients. This research study explores potential predictors and prevalence of burnout among marriage and family therapists (MFTs). It evaluates the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) to establish its applicability to MFTs. Our sample of 116 Clinical Members of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy responded to a mailed questionnaire including demographic information and the MBI. Overall, our sample reported low-to-moderate ranges of burnout. Differences were noted in degrees of burnout across job settings. Predictors of clinician burnout include hours worked per week and job setting. Factor analysis indicates that the MBI is an appropriate assessment tool for measuring burnout among MFTs. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.

Emotion, as a main component in family therapy, enjoys empirical support and increasing popularity, yet little is known about the clinicians who are using theoretical models inclusive of emotion. In addition, even fewer studies have looked at the role of emotion in therapy, particularly in regard to gender differences among clinicians. In order to better understand the use of emotion in therapy, 221 marriage and family therapists (MFTs) completed self-report questionnaires about emotion as a main component in practicing family therapy (Emotion in Family Therapy Questionnaire, see Appendix) and demographic data. Results indicate that both female and male participants had favorable attitudes about emotion. No significant differences existed between men and women in this sample. None of the test variables were found to significantly relate to emotion for men. For women, confidence and prevalence using emotion were significantly related to age, relationship status, work setting, and having children. Implications for training and research are discussed.