ABSTRACT
For therapists, child welfare workers, case managers, and other helping professionals involved in the care of traumatized children and their families, the essential act of listening to trauma stories may take an emotional toll that compromises professional functioning and diminishes quality of life. Unresolved secondary trauma can manifest itself as compassion fatigue. At a conference in Atlanta, Georgia, Joe Hendershott decided to bring up compassion fatigue in one of his sessions. Certain personalities are most susceptible to stress and compassion fatigue, including persons who are over conscientious, perfectionistic, and/or very giving of self. In addition, people prone to anxiety or depression may be at greater risk of experiencing compassion fatigue. The primary difference is the driving force behind the feelings. Burnout typically stems from conflict or dissatisfaction in the workplace whereas compassion fatigue emerges from relational connections with those being cared for.
