Compassion Fatigue and Compassion Satisfaction Among Residential Child Care Workers: The Role of Personality Resources

• NCJ Number: 243517
• Journal: Residential Treatment for Children & Youth Volume: 30 Issue: 1 Dated: January - March 2013 Pages: 72-91
• Author(s): Gadi Zerach, Ph.D.
• Date Published: February 2013
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study assessed compassion fatigue (CF) and compassion satisfaction (CS) among Israeli residential child-care workers (RCWs) working in residential treatment facilities for at risk children and youth.

Abstract

This study assessed compassion fatigue (CF) and compassion satisfaction (CS) among Israeli residential child-care workers (RCWs) working in residential treatment facilities for children and youth at risk (N=147) as compared to educational boarding schools workers (BSWs; N=74). Furthermore, the author assessed the relationship of potential personality-related buffers of attachment orientations, spirituality, and sense of coherence to CF and CS among these workers via self-report measures. Results show significant differences between RCWs and BSWs in CS but no significant differences in CF. Importantly, differential patterns of variables were found to predict the CF dimensions and CS. These findings suggest that both RCWs and BCWs are at risk for CF. In order to improve the resilience and reduce the turnover of RCWs and BSWs in their work, personality resources should be taken into account in the process of recruitment and training. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.