Webinar Series
Conceptualizing Job Burnout within a Behavior Analytic Framework
Summer Bottini (Emory University School of Medicine)
Date: November 18, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM Eastern
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.
Instruction Level: Intermediate
CE Available: BACB (Supervision) / IBAO
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Attendees can describe a behavior analytic conceptualization of burnout.
- Attendees can describe a data-driven approach to assessing burnout.
- Attendees can identify at least 2 intervention strategies for minimizing burnout among employees.
Target Audience: BCBAs, Supervisors
Biography: Summer Bottini, PhD, BCBA-D, received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Binghamton University and completed post-doctoral residencies at the Marcus Autism Center and May Institute. Dr. Bottini is an Assistant Professor in the Emory University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics and a Psychologist in the Complex Behavior Support Program at Marcus Autism Center. Dr. Bottini specializes in the assessment and treatment of externalizing behavior among individuals with developmental disabilities. Additionally, her work is focused on the effective supervision of clinicians to provide optimal care for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. This includes embedding a neurodiversity framework within clinical practices, addressing staff burnout, effective/efficient training methods, and treatment fidelity.
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