ABSTRACT
This research focused on role related variables and problems of self-help groups that were predictive of burnout in self-help group leaders. A random sample of 132 peer leaders of self-help groups were drawn from the database of the Self-Help Network of Kansas, a statewide self-help clearinghouse in Wichita, Kansas, which is located in the center of the United States. Peer leaders were administered the Maslach Burnout Inventory as well as measures related to their role in the group. Results indicated that role satisfaction, role conflict and role ambiguity were significant predictors of burnout along with the self-help group problems of overworked leaders and recruiting new members. It was also found that role satisfaction, role conflict and the problems of recruiting and keeping new members, and attendance at meetings significantly differentiated those in shared versus sole leadership roles. This information was disseminated to self-help groups in our database with a focus on the development of shared leadership and ways to prevent leader burnout.
