Compassion FatigueThis term was originally used in 1992 to describe the impact that continuously caring for patients had on nurses (National Child Resource Center for Adoption 2010). It is now used to refer to the cognitive-emotional-behavioral changes that can occur from wanting to help, helping or not being able to help those who have experienced some type of trauma (Huggard, 2008; National Child Resource Center for Adoption 2010). The helper feels completely depleted after somehow vicariously experiencing this trauma.
The research literature also uses the terms secondary traumatic stress disorder and vicarious traumatization, although it was found that the term compassion fatigue seemed not as threatening, with less stigmatization attached (Craig and Sprang, 2010; Harr, 2013; Huggard, 2008; National Child Resource Center for Adoption 2010). However, having multiple words in the research makes it difficult to compile and analyze studies in order to form theories (Craig and Sprang, 2010; Harr, 2013). In spite of this, compassion fatigue is almost identical to post-traumatic stress disorder, although the trauma has occurred to someone else (Harr, 2013, University of Iowa, 2009). But as a result, the helper’s sense of optimism and value in their work is diminished (Craig and Sprang, 2010). There is a deep sense of exhaustion and a difficulty in experiencing empathy for others (Craig and Sprang, 2010; Mathieu, 2007a). All helpers and caregivers are at risk of experiencing compassion fatigue (Craig and Sprang, 2010, National Child Resource Center for Adoption 2010). Research has shown there is a clear relationship between empathetic behavior and compassion fatigue (Craig and Sprang, 2010). Unfortunately, many helpers believe that the experience is due to incompetency rather than as a result of compassion fatigue (Harr, 2013). |
"The expectation that we can be immersed in suffering and loss daily and not be touched by it is as unrealistic as expecting to be able to walk through water without getting wet..." What are the signs?o Anxiety
o Guilt o Anger o Fear o Helplessness o Sadness o Apathy o Decreased self-esteem o Rigidity o Perfectionism o Irritability o Powerlessness o Overwhelmed o Impatient o Moody o Withdrawn o Hopelessness o Isolation o Hypersensitivity or insensitivity o Difficulty concentrating o Impaired decision making o Relationship problems o Lack of enjoyment o Changes in appetite o Changes in sleep o Cynicism o Memory loss o Preoccupation with patients or trauma (Craig and Sprang, 2010; Harr, 2013; Huggard, 2008; University of Iowa, 2009, Mathieu, 2007a; University of Iowa, 2009) |
What Puts a Helper at Risk?
- If the helper is already a perfectionist and self-critical (Osofsky, 2011)
- If the helper is a student or new professional, they do not have the experience or competency as their more experienced peers (Harr, 2013)
- If the helper has unrealistic expectations of what is possible (Osofsky, 2011)
- If the helper’s self-worth heavily rests on how they help others (Osofsky, 2011)
- If the helper does not have occupation support, such as large workloads, lack of training, no input in decisions (Harr, 2013; University of Iowa, 2009)
- If the helper lacks professional boundaries or poor self- care (Harr, 2013; Osofsky, 2011; University of Iowa, 2009)
- If the helper lacks either personal or professional support (Harr, 2013; Osofsky, 2011; University of Iowa, 2009)
- If the helper has experienced prior personal trauma (Harr, 2013; University of Iowa, 2009)