Abstract
Genetic counselors are susceptible to compassion fatigue, defined as feelings of anger, depression, or apathy felt by an individual as a result of being exposed to the trauma or suffering of another. The caregiving nature of the genetic counseling profession puts individuals in direct contact with patients dealing with difficult diagnoses and often traumatic life experiences. Previous research has demonstrated that hospice workers who engage in self-care activities experience lower levels of compassion fatigue. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether self-care methods are correlated with lower levels of compassion fatigue among genetic counselors. We recruited genetic counselors through the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) listserv for participation in an anonymous, online survey, which assessed respondents’ perceived levels of stress and compassion fatigue and the frequency with which they have participated in a number of self-care activities. Of the 301 genetic counselors who responded to the survey, 185 (62%) reported moderate levels of compassion fatigue. The distribution of respondents’ work settings differed from that seen in the NSGC professional status survey, with a greater proportion of non-clinical counselors, and a smaller proportion of prenatal counselors. Not surprisingly, respondents who reported higher levels of stress also reported higher levels of compassion fatigue. Self-care methods that were significantly correlated with lower compassion fatigue scores included receiving supervision; reading literature unrelated to genetic counseling; chatting with coworkers; setting limits with patients and colleagues; and striving for balance among work, family, relationships, rest, and play.