SELF-EFFICACY, SUPERVISORY SUPPORT, AND BURNOUT IN CHILD LIFE SPECIALISTS

Abstract

This study examined relationships among supervisory support, self-efficacy, and burnout in 35 certified child life specialists, and whether departmental type influenced burnout. Supervisory support was positively associated with personal accomplishment but was not related to self-efficacy or the other domains of burnout: emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Departmental type did not significantly affect emotional exhaustion or depersonalization, though specialists in non-child life exclusive departments reported slightly higher personal accomplishment. Findings suggest that supervisory support may enhance professional fulfillment but does not independently reduce emotional aspects of burnout. Future research should use longitudinal and mix-methods designs to better understand how supervisory structures and workplace context shape overall well-being in child life specialists.