Graduation Date

Spring 2022

Document Type

Project

Program

Master of Arts degree with a major in Psychology, option Academic Research

Committee Chair Name

Christopher Walmsley

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Second Committee Member Name

Kimberly Kowalski

Second Committee Member Affiliation

Community Member or Outside Professional

Keywords

Burnout, Applied behavior analysis, Self care

Subject Categories

Psychology

Abstract

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practitioners engage in highly demanding work duties from collaborating with schools and families and navigating funding sources to direct work with clients. Therefore, burnout is a prevalent issue in this field. However, it is infrequently studied in the literature in any of its components, including risk factors, overall levels of burnout, or means to mitigate its effects. The aim of the present study was to survey the levels of burnout among ABA practitioners in Northern California and attempt to identify higher levels of weekly engagement in self-care behaviors as one component in lower burnout scores. The present study found that more hours spent per week engaging in self-care activities was indeed associated with lower overall levels of burnout. In addition to self-care, the survey asked questions to discover other possible associations with high burnout scores, including what type of work one primarily engages in within the field. Continued exploration of burnout and its factors is necessary to support ABA practitioners, not only to aid their mental health but also to ensure ABA is providing the highest quality clinicians to the clients and families who rely on them.

Citation Style

APA

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