What is the definition of compassion fatigue? How to measure it?

Welcome.

Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Compassion fatigue is defined as the emotional, physical, and psychological strain experienced by individuals who consistently help those facing trauma or suffering. It often arises in caregiving professions, leading to feelings of exhaustion, detachment, and diminished empathy.

To measure compassion fatigue, various assessment tools are utilized, such as the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL), which evaluates both compassion satisfaction and fatigue. Additionally, self-report questionnaires can assess symptoms like emotional exhaustion, irritability, and reduced empathy, helping to identify the presence and severity of compassion fatigue in individuals working in high-stress environments.