College counselors’ calling and burnout: Mediation through role identity

The detrimental effects of burnout on the mental well-being and professional efficacy of college counselors underscore the importance of exploring factors mitigating this phenomenon. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 406 Chinese college counselors to investigate the relationships between calling, role identity, and burnout, seeking to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of burnout in this population. Structural equation modeling analysis revealed a negative association between calling and burnout, with role identity serving as a pivotal mediator of this relationship. By integrating identity theory into an examination of the calling–burnout relationship, this study not only enhances theoretical understanding but also offers empirical insights for developing effective interventions to address burnout among college counselors.