Burnout, Compassion, and Supervisor Support

Burnout, Compassion, and Supervisor Support

Host: Matt Harrington

1. Why This Episode Matters

Burnout is one of the most cited reasons BCBAs leave the field. In this episode, Matt builds on prior research by exploring how compassion and perceived supervisor support interact to shape burnout and turnover intentions across ABA roles.

2. Featured Research

• Law et al. (2024): Found burnout is a top driver of BCBA turnover.
• Austin & Fisk (2023): Examined how compassion and perceived supervisor support (PSS) predict burnout in 1,400+ ABA professionals.

3. Personal Anecdote

Matt shares a story from early in his BCBA career where a calm, compassionate mentor modeled emotional regulation and coping strategies during a demanding telehealth role.

4. Austin & Fisk Study Summary

• Participants: 1,424 ABA professionals (RBTs, BCaBAs, BCBAs, and others)
• Measures: Modified Maslach Burnout Inventory, Compassion Scale, Supervisor Support Scale
• Analysis: Correlation, regression, and mediation modeling

5. Key Findings

1. BCBAs had the highest burnout rates due to admin demands, caseload switching, and supervisory responsibilities.
2. Compassion + supervisor support = lower burnout; PSS strengthens the protective effect of compassion.
3. Training and organizational support also predicted lower burnout.
4. Burnout linked to turnover: higher burnout scores predicted intent to leave within 6–12 months.
5. PSS mediates the compassion–burnout relationship: it’s not enough to be caring—support must be felt.

6. Matt’s Reflections

• BCBA burnout stems from cognitive overload and context switching.
• Real support includes weekly check-ins, flexible tools, and clear role clarity.
• Compassion alone without boundaries or systems can become draining.

7. Supervisor & Organizational Strategies

1. Audit Support Systems

• List all BCBA non-clinical tasks monthly
• Automate: billing, transcription, progress note workflows
• Reinvest saved time into supervision or training

2. Cultivate Perceived Supervisor Support (PSS)

• Teach supportive leadership behaviors
• Hold well-being check-ins—not just performance reviews
• Use 360° feedback to assess perceived support

3. Structure Compassion with Boundaries

• Normalize breaks and self-care
• Run workshops on empathy and resilience
• Model boundaries as a supervisor

4. Invest in Training & Development

• Mix live and on-demand CEUs
• Create clear BCBA career growth pathways
• Track training satisfaction alongside burnout metrics

5. Highlight Resilient Mentors

• Interview “calm under pressure” leaders
• Launch a peer mentoring program
• Let seasoned clinicians share their stress management stories

8. Questions for Team Discussion

• How supported do staff feel on a 1–5 scale?
• Which tasks drain the most energy—and can we automate them?
• Who are our “unbothered” leaders and how can we learn from them?
• What PD offerings get low satisfaction ratings?
• Are we unintentionally undermining support with policy mandates?

9. Resources Mentioned

• Law, A., Smith, J., et al. (2024). Exploring Turnover Intentions Among Newly Certified BCBAs. JABA.
• Austin, K. & Fisk, J. (2023). Compassion, Supervisor Support, and Burnout in ABA. Behavior Analysis in Practice.
• Streamline CEUs – Affordable, on-demand CEU platform

10. Final Thoughts

Burnout is real—and preventable. Compassion matters, but systems of support matter more. Supervisors: your role isn’t just management—it’s protecting your team’s long-term sustainability. Thanks for tuning in and helping make ABA supervision more humane and effective.