Identifying and Combating Compassion Fatigue

Event Center BC

This poster examines the roots, risk factors, and resiliencies surrounding Compassion Fatigue, and ponders at the impact professional counselors can have in alleviating Compassion Fatigue in other helping professionals. It has been found in several studies that young males in public mental health fields are more prone to burnout and Compassion Fatigue than their female peers and male counterparts working in the private sector. The private sector allows for more autonomy and leads to greater Compassion Satisfaction among those in the helping profession. Perceived degree of autonomy and individual coping skills add to Compassion Satisfaction and decreased risk of burnout. Individual coping skills such as mindfulness, social and professional support, and mentoring all help to mitigate Compassion Fatigue.