Burnout Among Forensic Interviewers, How They Cope, and What Agencies Can Do to Help

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychology
• Occupational Health
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• Burnout is a significant concern for professionals in high-stress fields.
• Forensic interviewers (FIs) face unique occupational stressors, including exposure to graphic content.
• Understanding predictors of burnout and effective coping mechanisms is crucial for FI well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine predictors of burnout among forensic interviewers (FIs).
• To identify personal coping mechanisms utilized by FIs.
• To explore potential mitigating factors against burnout in this population.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative and qualitative data collected from 250 FIs in the United States.
• Analysis of work-related factors, organizational support, and exposure to sensitive materials.
• Assessment of compassion satisfaction and demographic factors as potential moderators.

Main Results:

• Burnout was strongly associated with feeling overwhelmed, inadequate support, and exposure to graphic child-related materials.
• Higher compassion satisfaction and identifying as non-White were linked to reduced burnout symptoms.
• FIs reported diverse, personalized burnout experiences and employed various coping strategies.

Conclusions:

• Work-related stressors are primary drivers of burnout in forensic interviewing.
• Compassion satisfaction and non-White ethnicity are protective factors against burnout.
• Agencies should implement supportive measures to aid FIs in managing occupational stress and preventing burnout.