Evidence. Science. Research.
The Science Behind
the Burn In Model
research & EVIDENCE
Research
Explore our core research focus and the questions driving our work.
Model
See how our findings are shaped into practical models and frameworks.
Learn
Access resources and insights to put the research into practice.
Grounded in Theory. Shaped by Evidence.
THE FOUNDATIONS
The Burn In Model draws on occupational science, existing understandings of burnout and lived experience to offer a different lens for how people live, work and connect.
The development of the Burn In Model was informed by two narrative literature reviews exploring existing understandings of burnout and a central question: What is the opposite of burnout?
These reviews examined established burnout research, including the work of Christina Maslach, and explored the limitations of defining burnout’s opposite solely through workplace engagement.
A systematic mapping review was also undertaken, examining 13 empirical studies investigating factors associated with burnout and job satisfaction among occupational therapy practitioners. These factors were mapped against the constructs of the Burn In Model, providing early support for its conceptual foundations.
The model also draws on occupational science, humanistic psychology, ecological systems theory, self-determination theory and established occupational therapy frameworks.
Early feedback was gathered to explore the clarity, relevance and practical application of the Burn In Model.
Semi-structured focus groups involving 14 occupational therapy professionals from 11 countries explored how the model could be understood and applied across different settings.
Participants responded positively to the fire metaphor, the model’s interconnected concepts and its ability to reflect the complexity of human experience.
In 2025, more than 20 occupational therapy professionals also participated in a six-week personal development program applying the model through online learning, group discussions and guided reflection.
End-of-program feedback indicated that participants found the model relevant, practical and accessible to integrate into their personal and professional lives.
These findings represent encouraging preliminary feedback rather than evidence of established clinical effectiveness.
The Burn In Model began in 2024 when occupational therapist Rhiannon Crispe originated the concept of Burn In as the opposite of burnout.
Recognising the need for a framework to describe this concept, Rhiannon initiated an eight-week international collaboration involving more than 20 occupational therapists.
Through professional dialogue, reflection and shared lived experiences, participants explored burnout across work, caregiving, relationships and everyday life. Their insights highlighted the complex interaction between personal circumstances, meaningful occupations and environmental conditions.
Following this initial collaboration, Rhiannon Crispe and Michelle Luken further developed and refined the model over approximately ten months.
This collaborative process helped shape the model’s central concepts, nature-based metaphor and broader understanding of alignment.
EMERGING RESEARCH
Investigating the Burn In Model
Early research is exploring how alignment across Being, Doing and Belonging relates to burnout, work engagement and wellbeing.
research study
Exploring the Association Between Burn In Alignment and Burnout Among Occupational Therapists:
A Cross-Sectional Survey
India | Dr Ditipriya Sarkar & Dr Anurupa Senapati | 2026
Publication & presentations
Scholarly Contributions
The Burn In Model: A Lens and Language for Reframing Burnout and Living in Alignment
Crispe, R. K. & Luken, M. L. (2026)
eBook exploring the theoretical foundations, concepts and practical applications of the Burn In Model.
The Burn In Model: A Brand New Model of Occupational Therapy
Crispe, R. K. & Luken, M. L. (2026)
The Occupational Therapy Hub, published 12 February 2026.
The Burn In Model
Crispe, R. K. & Luken, M. L. (2026)
OT Theory Database. An overview of the model, its central concepts and theoretical foundations.
Exploring the Association Between Burn In Alignment and Burnout Among Occupational Therapists: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Sarkar, D. & Senapati, A. (2026)
Research manuscript examining associations between Burn In alignment, burnout, work engagement and wellbeing among 60 occupational therapists in India. Presented at OTICON 2026. Publication status to be confirmed.
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) Congress, Bangkok, Thailand.
The Burn In Model: An Occupational Therapy Perspective on Burnout
Bouritsas, A., Luken, M. & Crispe, R. (2026)
1st Annual International Congress of Occupational Therapy, Komotini, Greece.
Burning In, Not Out: A New Paradigm for Addressing Burnout and Living a Life of Alignment
Luken, M. & Crispe, R. (2026)
Maryland Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Maryland, USA. (2026)
Oklahoma Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Oklahoma, USA. (2026)
Towson University Scholarship Day, Maryland, USA. (2026)
