Zulkifli, Hazirah (2021) A qualitative study of occupational stress among ABA therapists working with children with autism. Masters thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
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Abstract
This is a qualitative study with a phenomenological design, which aims to explore occupational stress among ABA therapists working with children with autism. A total of seven Malaysian ABA therapists aging at least twenty-two years old were recruited using purposive and convenience samplings. All participants were virtually interviewed using Google Meet with a semi-structured format due to the Covid-19 pandemic’s Restriction Movement Order (MCO). Each interview lasted around thirty minutes with sixteen non-leading questions. The interviews were audio-recorded separately and privately in an individual session. The interviews were then transcribed. All participants have at least worked for six months as ABA therapists, having completed the probation period. A pilot test was conducted by peer and supervisor checking to confirm the interview questions were understandable. The resulting transcriptions were then analysed to thematic analysis, whereby main patterns and themes were produced using the semantic contents. The main themes obtained based on the transcriptions are in line with the three research objectives respectively. The themes covering the experiences of occupational stress among ABA therapists working with children with autism are high-stress work and poor support from the management in the workplace. For sources of stress, the themes are role overload working with children with autism, working from home during Movement Control Order (MCO) due to Covid-19 pandemic, powerlessness and challenging interactions with children with autism. As for coping strategies, the themes of self-care, grit towards working with children with autism and social support from colleagues.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | occupational stress, mental health |
| Subjects: | R Medicine R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ370-550 Diseases of children and adolescents |
| Divisions: | Kampus Kesihatan (Health Campus) > Pusat Pengajian Sains Perubatan (School of Medical Sciences) > Thesis |
| Depositing User: | MUHAMMAD AKIF AIMAN AB SHUKOR |
| Date Deposited: | 21 Apr 2026 23:40 |
| Last Modified: | 16 Jun 2026 08:36 |
| URI: | http://eprints.usm.my/id/eprint/63945 |
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