Running Head: COMPASSION FATIGUE 1

Compassion Fatigue

Rachel L. Seegmiller

Brigham Young University- Idaho

Running Head: COMPASSION FATIGUE 2

Abstract

Many names know compassion fatigue: burnout, primary traumatic stress disorder, and
compassion satisfaction. However, all four names possess different symptoms that interexchange
with one another. (Sprang, 2013) This paper reconnoiters the meaning, symptoms, and strategies
to battle against compassion fatigue. Risks and those most prone to have this or these disorders
are mentioned along with rectifications that can be made to encumber or to prevent the
occurrence. Symptoms such as sleep disturbances, and loss of hope are given as examples of the
subtle eroding of this ailment. (Mol, 2015) Historical figures such as Mother Teresea are
mentioned to bring to light the duration of compassion fatigue and to note the therapies that
previous generations have concluded. (Oshberg, 2017) Compassion fatigue can not only affect
the individual themselves, but also connotations of their daily lives. If not addressed, compassion
fatigue can lead to errors in the medical field or diminishing of meaning among individuals
careers and livelihood. (Jacobson, 2012)
Running Head: COMPASSION FATIGUE 3

Compassion Fatigue

Many people have heard the expression "compassion fatigue." The most common term
used is called burn out, however other associations are compassion satisfaction, vicarious
trauma, and secondary traumatic stress. Professionals whose occupation requires them to work
with traumatized individuals are at risk for secondary traumatic stress. The risk also arises among
women or individuals with a high empathetic nature. (Sprang, 2013)

Connotation

Compassion fatigue erodes the professional mind to function at its optimal ability.
(Showalter, 2010) It can create an emotional residue by working with those that have or are
suffering from traumatic experiences. Primary traumatic stress and burnout can coexist with
compassion fatigue. Burnout is associated with emotional exhaustion and withdrawal due to an
increase in workload or stress. Primary Traumatic Stress occurs to indirect exposure to trauma.
(Ray, 2013)

Manifestation

This disorder occurs over time and can sometimes take years before symptoms are
perceived. There are four stages of compassion fatigue: enthusiasm, stagnation, frustration, and
apathy. (Escrib-Agir, 2006) Symptoms of compassion fatigue are: sleep disturbances, increase
in emotional response, decrease in cognitive ability, isolation, loss of morale, depression, and
loss of hope or meaning. (Mol, 2015) As burnout, can also occur its significant to know the
difference between the two disorders as well as the manifestations. Burnout can produce an
individual with emotional exhaustion, mental exhaustion, and physical exhaustion. (Ray, 2013) It
should be noted that compassion fatigue can occur over time and may not be present till later
years.

Panacea

Managing compassion fatigue has significance in a professionals life as it can also

influence the medical team as well as associations such as family. (Jacobson, 2012) One
management tool is to take a vacation or have time provided for an individuals own well-being.
Its important to know that what one is feeling is ordinary and to recognize the need for rest.
Running Head: COMPASSION FATIGUE 4

Mother Teresea was an advocate for prevention compassion fatigue. Tereseas nuns were given a
year of vacation for every four to five years. (Oshberg, 2017) Some alternative medical practices
are yoga, meditation, and massage. To prevent compassion fatigue from manifesting it may be
vital for the individual to develop interests outside their occupation although with getting
sufficient sleep. Eating and exercising properly can be another passage to stress as well as
nourishment. Its important to note that working harder and longer hours as well as complaining
or blaming others can worsen the indications. (2017)

Conclusion

Every individual will need to understand the affects that compassion fatigue can have
not only on the mind but the body as well. In a medical field, compassion fatigue can lead to
medical errors and a loss of morale for an individuals occupation. Its important that directors
and managers are aware of the signs and symptoms of this disorder in order to preserve the
integrity of their occupation. Understanding the consequences of compassion fatigue can
motivate professional individuals to prevent the occurrence through meditation and social
interaction. (Jacobson, 2012)
Running Head: COMPASSION FATIGUE 5

References

Escrib-Agir, V., Martn-Baena, D., & Prez-Hoyos, S. (2006). Psychosocial work environment
and burnout among emergency medical and nursing staff. International Archives of
Occupational and Environmental Health, 80(2), 127-133. doi:10.1007/s00420-006-0110-y

Jacobson, J. M. (2012). Risk of compassion fatigue and burnout and potential for compassion
satisfaction among employee assistance professionals: Protecting the workforce.
Traumatology, 18(3), 64-72. doi:10.1177/1534765611431833

Mol, M. M., Kompanje, E. J., Benoit, D. D., Bakker, J., & Nijkamp, M. D. (2015). The
Prevalence of Compassion Fatigue and Burnout among Healthcare Professionals in
Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Review. Plos One, 10(8).
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0136955

Oshburg, F. (2017, January 04). Compassion Fatigue. Retrieved March 19, 2017, from
https://www.stress.org/military/for-practitionersleaders/compassion-fatigue/

Ray, S. L., Wong, C., White, D., & Heaslip, K. (2013). Compassion satisfaction, compassion
fatigue, work life conditions, and burnout among frontline mental health care
professionals. Traumatology, 19(4), 255-267. doi:10.1177/1534765612471144

Showalter, S.E. (2010). Compassion fatigue: What is it? Why does it matter? Recognizing the
symptoms, acknowledging the impact, developing the tools to prevent compassion
fatigue and strengthen the professional already suffering from the effects. American
Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine, 27(4), 239-242.

Sprang, G. (2013, July 24). Secondary Traumatic Stress. Retrieved March 19, 2017, from
http://www.nctsn.org/resources/topics/secondary-traumatic-stress