What does compassion fatigue mean?

Definitions for compassion fatigue
com·pas·sion fa·tigue

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word compassion fatigue.

Wikipedia

  1. Compassion fatigue

    Compassion fatigue is a condition characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion leading to a diminished ability to empathize or feel compassion for others, often described as the negative cost of caring. It is sometimes referred to as secondary traumatic stress (STS). According to the Professional Quality of Life Scale, burnout and STS are interwoven elements of compassion fatigue.Compassion fatigue is considered to be the result of working directly with victims of disasters, trauma, or illness, especially in the health care industry. Individuals working in other helping professions are also at risk for experiencing compassion fatigue. These include child protection workers, veterinarians, clergy, teachers, social workers, palliative care workers, journalists, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, animal welfare workers, public librarians, health unit coordinators, and student affairs professionals. Non-professionals, such as family members and other informal caregivers of people who have a chronic illness, may also experience compassion fatigue. The term was first coined in 1992 by Carla Joinson to describe the negative impact hospital nurses were experiencing as a result of their repeated, daily exposure to patient emergencies.People who experience compassion fatigue may exhibit a variety of symptoms including lowered concentration, numbness or feelings of helplessness, irritability, lack of self-satisfaction, withdrawal, aches and pains, or work absenteeism.Journalism analysts argue that news media have caused widespread compassion fatigue in society by saturating newspapers and news shows with decontextualized images and stories of tragedy and suffering. This has caused the public to become desensitized or resistant to helping people who are suffering. Over a quarter of Americans have even changed where they get their news from due to compassion fatigue.

Wikidata

  1. Compassion fatigue

    Compassion fatigue, also known as secondary traumatic stress, is a condition characterized by a gradual lessening of compassion over time. It is common among individuals that work directly with trauma victims such as nurses, psychologists, and first responders. It was first diagnosed in nurses in the 1950s. Sufferers can exhibit several symptoms including hopelessness, a decrease in experiences of pleasure, constant stress and anxiety, sleeplessness or nightmares, and a pervasive negative attitude. This can have detrimental effects on individuals, both professionally and personally, including a decrease in productivity, the inability to focus, and the development of new feelings of incompetency and self doubt. Journalism analysts argue that the media has caused widespread compassion fatigue in society by saturating newspapers and news shows with often decontextualized images and stories of tragedy and suffering. This has caused the public to become cynical, or become resistant to helping people who are suffering.

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of compassion fatigue in Chaldean Numerology is: 7

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of compassion fatigue in Pythagorean Numerology is: 4

Examples of compassion fatigue in a Sentence

  1. Paul Hokemeyer:

    Compassion fatigue is a well-established concept in the realm of health care providers. First observed in nurses who worked in emergency rooms, it describes the sense of helplessness and hopelessness that can overtake a person providing care for someone whose suffering seems never-ending and insurmountable.

  2. Frank Gabrin:

    I now believe that compassion fatigue is a misnomer and that the real name for this condition should be empathetic overload, i also believe that compassion fatigue and burnout need never occur, and if they do, there is a clear path back to solid emotional health. I believe that I have found the path that will quickly bring us all back from burnout and I am extremely passionate about sharing what I have learned with all of you.


Translations for compassion fatigue

From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary

  • تعاطف الرحمةArabic
  • fatigue de compassionFrench
  • ہمدردی کی تھکاوٹUrdu

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"compassion fatigue." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/compassion+fatigue>.

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