Stress, Burnout, and the Special Services Provider

Abstract

Burnout is a particular response to stress involving psychological withdrawal. It is a costly coping mechanism that can adversely affect the motivation, performance, and personal wellbeing of special service providers. The burnout response develops when more direct and active problem-solving efforts are perceived as useless. Research on the causes of burnout suggests that factors in the work environment are relatively more important than characteristics of individuals. Lack of clarity, control, support, and feedback, as well as work overload, are particularly significant sources of burnout in special education. Various strategies for preventing burnout have been developed, and some have been evaluated to a limited extent. They include individual strategies such as exercise, progressive relaxation, cognitive restructuring, and social problem-solving skills training. Group strategies such as social support groups and resource exchange networks, and organizational strategies such as participative decision-ma...