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Article published In: Interpreting
Vol. 27:2 (2025) ► pp.281–302

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Burnout among sign language interpreters working in postsecondary institutions

 | University of Texas at Austin
 | University of Texas at Austin
 | University of Texas at Austin
 | University of Texas at Austin
Published online: 17 July 2025
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https://doi.org/10.1075/intp.00122.pal
Abstract
This study evaluated the prevalence of burnout among sign language interpreters in postsecondary settings in the United States. A standardized occupational burnout measure was used in a cross-sectional online survey and was distributed nationally. The findings revealed that 18 percent of interpreters reported experiencing burnout, with significant differences being observed across demographic groups. Specifically, a higher proportion of interpreters with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ individuals reported burnout compared to their peers. This article contributes to our understanding of burnout in the field and could possibly inform retention strategies aimed at reducing interpreter attrition and respond to the overall shortage of sign language interpreters. Further research is needed to investigate the unique stressors and experiences that contribute to burnout, particularly among marginalized groups, in order to raise awareness and to develop support systems.
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • A persistent shortage: Challenges in meeting interpreter demand
  • Burnout among interpreters: A barrier to retention
  • Remote interpreting: The struggle and shift
  • Methodology
    • The instrument
    • Participants
    • Data validation
  • Results
  • Discussion
    • Interpreters with disabilities
    • LGBTQIA+ interpreters
    • Burnout, interpreter shortages and retention
    • Limitations
  • Conclusion
  • Acknowledgments
  • Note
  • References
References (85)
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