Graduate Program

College Student Affairs

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2008

Thesis Director

James Wallace

Thesis Committee Member

Jody Stone

Thesis Committee Member

Lou Hencken

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify factors that contribute to Resident Assistant burnout. Burnout is defined as a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment that can occur among individuals who do "people work" (Hardy & Dodd, 1998). Definitions for burnout including emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment are located in the definitions section of chapter one.

The study was conducted on the campus of Eastern illinois University. The sample population was Resident Assistants currently under contract with the department of University Housing and Dining Services. The level of burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout General Inventory (1986).

Results from the study indicate that there is a relationship between burnout and the factors studied. Two conclusions were drawn from this study; males experience higher levels of depersonalization than females. Resident Assistants who work in a suite style residence hall are less likely to experience burnout than those Resident Assistants that work in a traditional style residence hall.

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