Degree Name
Master of Science
Graduate Program
Behavior Analysis and Therapy
Advisor
Paige S. Boydston
Abstract
This study aimed to combat burnout in Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) who were providing services to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), aged 2-10, within a clinic setting. Participants selected were [8] RBTs working 30-40 hours per week. Participants were asked to complete the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) 1-2 times daily. This survey included various questions that score respondent’s current levels of burnout. A multiple baseline design was used to assess the impact of a brief Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) training on participant burnout scores on the CBI. Out of the 8 participants recruited/consented, only 1 completed the full ACT training and moved into follow-up probes, 1 completed training but did not move into follow up probes, and 6 were removed from the study following lack of correspondence after being sent the training. Of the 2 that completed ACT, no reductions in burnout scores were indicated. Lack of decreases in burnout scores may be indicative of the increased response effort required for attempting to reduce burnout. Other considerations are discussed throughout the paper as well.