Abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which influences a child’s verbal, intellectual, and social parts of life. Professionals who handle children with autism face exceptional challenges as they come across hyperactivity, self-injurious behavior, compulsive behavior, and frequent meltdowns. The present research was designed to find out the relationship between psychological capital, mental health, and burnout among the professionals working in Autism Centers in Lahore Pakistan. Furthermore, it also aimed to investigate the role of mental health as a mediator between psychological capital and burnout. Methods: The correlational research design and non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to collect the data. Participants of the study were Autism Therapist n = 150, including Behavior Therapist (n = 80), Speech Therapist (n = 40), and Special Educationist (n = 30) from 12 Autism centers in Lahore Pakistan. The research instruments included Psychological Capital Questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire, and Teacher Burnout Inventory. Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analyses was conducted for predicting demographic characteristics, psychological capital, and mental health burnout of professionals working with ASD. Results: Present study showed that a significant positive relationship exists between psychological capital and mental health. Negative relationship among psychological capital and burnout was also found. It also revealed that the unsatisfactory working environment of Autism therapist predicted the burnout. Conclusion: Social support in the work environment and supervision opportunities for trainees was key predictors of minimizing burnout and job satisfaction. A flexible environment and definite set of working hours is needed in every institute for positive well-being of the professionals working with children who have autism.

Key words: Psychological Capital, Mental Health, Burnout, Autism, Pakistan.