Protective and risk factors of burnout for newer music therapists: A convergent parallel mixed methods study

The purpose of this mixed methods research study was to identify what the protective measures and risk factors of burnout are for music therapists within their first recertification cycle, and how protective and risk factors of burnout and the use of self-care, resiliency, and identity intersect. An online survey was completed by 127 music therapists in the United States who had been certified for less than 5 years. Three survey respondents were selected for participation in individual follow-up interviews to further describe their experiences. The researcher integrated the findings of the online survey and follow-up interviews to explain the experiences of burnout for music therapists in their first recertification cycle, the protective and risk factors of burnout, and how self-care, resiliency, and identity intersect. Results of this study indicated that music therapists in their first recertification cycle consider themselves resilient individuals who engage in self-care practices and whose personality traits impact their experiences with burnout and resiliency. Several protective and risk factors of burnout were also identified. Based on the findings of this study more research is recommended surrounding the experiences of burnout within the field of music therapy to contribute to the evolving and expanding resources available to music therapists who have newly entered the field.