The Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Relationship Between Quality of Life and Job Burnout Among Family Counselors

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Job burnout is considered one of the most significant consequences of psychological and emotional pressure in helping professions, particularly family counseling, and may negatively affect counselors’ mental health and professional performance. The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between quality of life and job burnout among family counselors.

Methodology: This study was a fundamental descriptive-correlational research with a quantitative approach conducted in 2023 using a cross-sectional design. The statistical population included licensed counselors and psychologists working in family counseling centers in Tehran, among whom 211 participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data collection instruments included the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), and the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software through structural equation modeling.

Findings: The findings indicated that quality of life had a positive and significant effect on emotional intelligence (β=0.54, p=0.001). Emotional intelligence also had a negative and significant effect on job burnout (β=-0.54, p=0.001). However, the direct relationship between quality of life and job burnout was not significant (β=-0.01, p=0.936). Bootstrapping results further demonstrated that emotional intelligence played a significant mediating role in the relationship between quality of life and job burnout (β=-0.29, p=0.004). The model fit indices confirmed the reliability and validity of the measurement model.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that quality of life could reduce job burnout among family counselors through enhancing emotional intelligence. Therefore, improving quality of life and providing emotional intelligence training programs may play an important role in preventing burnout and promoting the mental health of family counselors.