Effectiveness of rational emotive occupational health coaching in reducing burnout symptoms among teachers of children with autism

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The negative impacts of Job-related burnout on job performance have been widely documented in the literature. Burnout accounts for both physical and mental health outcomes that increase work turnover in teachers, especially those who teach special needs children, like those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The current study assessed the effectiveness of Rational Emotive Occupational Health Coaching (REOHC) in minimizing job burnout amongst autistic children teachers in Anambra state, Nigeria. METHOD: The study used a group-randomized waitlist control trial design. teachers who teach ASD children in private and public special and inclusive schools participated in the study. All participants were randomly allocated to REOHC and waitlist group (WLG). REOHC group were exposed to a single session 120 min REOHC programme every week for 12 weeks. Data were collected using Maslach Burnout Inventory for Educators (MBI-ES), at baseline; post-intervention as well as follow-up evaluations 1 and 2 evaluations. All the data gathered for the study were analysed using mean, Standard Deviation (SD), t-test statistics, repeated measures ANOVA, and charts. RESULTS: Results indicated a significant decrease in teachers’ burnout, following REOHC intervention, which was sustained through follow-ups 1 and 2. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we stated that REOHC is valuable in treating burnout symptoms in teachers of children with ASDs.