Association for Behavior Analysis International

Compassion is showing concern for others who are experiencing suffering. In recent years, an emphasis has been placed on “compassionate care” within healthcare, and some studies have suggested that an empathetic approach to patient care may lead to improved outcomes as well as increased social validity. ABAI’s recent Presidential Address highlighted compassionate behavior analysis as a guiding core principle. Over the past year, we have faced numerous challenges, including a deadly virus, racism, violence, natural disasters, fiscal worries, political unrest, and rising mental health issues. Given these challenges, a compassionate approach within healthcare and education seems more necessary now than ever. With the necessary migration of graduate education to online formats, the absence of human connection emphasizes the need for compassionate education and support. How can we, as behavior analysts, incorporate compassionate practices into how we mentor, teach and train graduate students in an online format? In this panel, we will discuss various methods for weaving compassion into our teaching, mentoring, and advising of students. This discussion will focus on curriculum, communication, administration, and organizational systems. Panelists will describe their experiences and recommendations to support students in this ever-changing world.

Graduate students and faculty of online ABA programs.