Association for Behavior Analysis International

Webinar Series: Conceptualizing Job Burnout within a Behavior Analytic Framework: Considerations for Assessment and Intervention to Reduce Stress Among Behavior Analysts, November 2025

Abstract: 

Burnout is highly prevalent in behavior analytic settings (Bottini et al., 2020; Slowiak & DeLongchamp, 2022; Slowiak & Jay, 2023). Beyond documenting this issue and negative associated outcomes, there is a dearth of research evaluating empirically based actions behavior analysts may take to mitigate burnout. In other professions, interventions for employee burnout primarily comprise person-centered interventions (e.g., mindfulness), which are largely ineffective. Applying a behavior analytic lens, wherein determinants of staff burnout are assessed, may inform development of improved intervention strategies (Bottini et al., 2024). This presentation will discuss a behavior-analytic interpretation of burnout, including how behavior may be conceptualized via environmental stimuli and events. It will then discuss implications for assessing and preventing burnout within this framework, including review of several tools that may be useful to behavior analysts when addressing burnout. Recommendations will be directly relevant to supervising BCBAs or those in leadership roles within clinical organizations.

Learning Objectives: 

At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Attendees can describe a behavior analytic conceptualization of burnout.
2. Attendees can describe a data-driven approach to assessing burnout.
3. Attendees can identify at least 2 intervention strategies for minimizing burnout among employees.

Instruction Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: BCBAs, Supervisors

CE Available: BACB (Supervision) / IBAO

Date: Tuesday, November 18th.

Time: 12:00 PM EST