Supervision and occupational burnout among Polish speech therapists

The growing profession of speech therapy faces significant challenges, particularly concerning the mental well-being of practitioners. This study examines the levels of burnout and disengagement among speech therapists in Poland and evaluates the impact of supervision on these factors. Utilizing a sample of 119 speech therapists, the research explores the relationship between participation in supervision and levels of occupational exhaustion and disengagement. Findings indicate that those engaged in informal supervision report significantly lower levels of burnout compared to their counterparts who do not participate. Furthermore, participants' readiness to assume supervisory roles correlates with reduced feelings of exhaustion and disengagement. Despite the informal nature of supervision in Poland, results suggest that supervision may serve as one of several protective factors against burnout, though its standalone effectiveness requires further verification. The article discusses the implications of these findings for the formalisation and structuring of supervisory practices, aiming to enhance mental health support within the field of speech therapy. It advocates for the establishment of support programs and training guidelines for supervisors to foster a healthier work environment and improve the quality of care provided to patients.