This study conducted a meta-analysis focusing on emotional labor, social support, and resilience as major factors influencing burnout among special education teachers. Burnout was examined through its three subcomponents: emotional exhaustion, deperso...
This study conducted a meta-analysis focusing on emotional labor, social support, and resilience as major factors influencing burnout among special education teachers. Burnout was examined through its three subcomponents: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. A total of 23 academic papers published in South Korea between 2013 and 2024 were selected for analysis based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results indicated that emotional labor showed a moderate positive correlation with burnout (𝑟=.277), while social support exhibited a moderate negative correlation (𝑟=−.300), confirming its role as a protective factor against burnout. Additionally, resilience was identified as the strongest mitigating factor for burnout (𝑟=−.392. The heterogeneity analysis revealed a high level of variability among studies (I²=96.773), suggesting that differences in sample characteristics and research methodologies influenced the findings. Based on these results, strategies to prevent burnout in special education teachers should focus on managing emotional labor, strengthening social support systems, and enhancing resilience. Practical interventions, such as mentoring programs, psychological resilience training, and fostering a collaborative work culture, should be considered for effective burnout prevention.