“Out of Touch” vs. “Still Practicing”: How Child Life Specialists Perceive Supervisors’ Roles in Mitigating Workplace Stress and Burnout

Objective Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLSs) have previously reported experiencing workplace stress and burnout. To date, no studies have focused on CCLSs’ perspectives on their relationships with their supervisors. Method Qualitative interviews were conducted with 19 currently and formerly practicing CCLSs about their relationships with their supervisors, how they communicate with their supervisors about workplace stress, and the roles they perceive their supervisions fulfilling with respect to workplace stress and burnout mitigation. Results Data analysis yielded four themes: 1) lack of support from supervisors, including establishing boundaries, 2) generational differences between supervisees and supervisors, 3) supervisors are also struggling, and 4) need for acknowledgment and advocacy from supervisors. Conclusion Participants described interpersonal and systemic frustrations, acknowledging that supervisors are also struggling. More research is needed on the perspectives of supervisors.