Supervision for Certification in the Field of Applied Behaviour Analysis: Characteristics and Relationship with Job Satisfaction, Burnout, Work Demands, and Support

Katerina Dounavi, Brian Fennell and Erin Early
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Katerina Dounavi: School of Social Sciences, Education & Social Work, Queen’s University of Belfast, 69-71 University Street, Belfast BT7 1HL, Northern Ireland, UK
Brian Fennell: Administration, Ambitious College, London N15 4FY, UK
Erin Early: School of Social Sciences, Education & Social Work, Queen’s University of Belfast, 69-71 University Street, Belfast BT7 1HL, Northern Ireland, UK

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 12, 1-15

Abstract: Background : Supervision of behavior analysts seeking certification and supervision of service delivery are key processes in the provision of quality behaviour analytic services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Our study is the first to examine international supervisory practices within the field of applied behaviour analysis. Method : An online survey was distributed to 92 professionals internationally, assessing supervisory practice, supervisor support, work demands, job satisfaction, and burnout. Results : Findings indicate high satisfaction with the supervisor and supervisory experience. Excessive work demands positively correlate with high burnout and low job satisfaction. Half of all professionals only worked with one or two clients before certification. Supervisor and collegial support seem to decrease the likelihood of suffering burnout and increase job satisfaction, although relationships were not statistically significant. Conclusions : Supervisor and collegial support warrant further research as protective factors. Implications for an evidence-based supervisory practice that produces ethical and competent supervisees are discussed.

Keywords: supervision; certification; job satisfaction; burnout; applied behaviour analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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