Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Arcella Trimble

Abstract

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) serve as the primary practitioners within this field, providing direct services to individuals with socially significant problem behaviors. The purpose of this study was to expand research on the behavior analytic practitioner regarding their self-care practices and develop an understanding of their lived experience using Orem's theory of self-care. Data were collected from 10 BCBAs via face-to-face interviews derived of questions regarding self-care practices. The interview questions included discussions around self-care behaviors as well as beneficial and problematic effects regarding individual self-care practices. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to gather information regarding practices and interpret the lived experience of current practitioners. It was found that BCBAs have informal exposure to self-care and share effects like burnout with other helping professions. Some practitioners indicated that lack of self-care resulted in diminished relationships, lowered quality of care for clients, and poor quality of life outcomes. This research indicated social change implications that include using the results to improve self-care practices among BCBAs could result in less burnout and improved care for patients. If improvements to self-care repertoires are made, client outcomes may also improve, reducing the need for behavior analysis services long term.

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