The investigation of the relationship between the coping mechanisms for stress and the compassion fatigue among psychologists who work with the disadventaged groups

In this study, the relationship between compassion fatigue and coping mechanisms for stress of psychologists who work with disadvantaged groups was investigated. In addition, the relationship between compassion fatigue and depression, anxiety and stress were examined. Within the scope of the sub-problems, the comparison analyzes of socio-demographic characteristics of the participants with compassion fatigue and coping styles were conducted. The sample of the study was comprised of 300 psychologists living in Istanbul, Izmir and Bursa between the ages of 22-65 years, 252 of whom are female and 48 of whom are male. For data collection, Demographic Data Form, Professional Quality of Life Scale, Ways of Coping with Stress Scale and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale were used. According to the findings of the study, among psychologists who work with disadvantaged groups coping mechanisms for stress were found to have a predictive effect on compassion fatigue. Also, depression, anxiety and stress were found to be predictors of compassion fatigue. In addition, it was found that the levels of compassion fatigue differed according to gender and duration of work in the profession, while the coping mechanisms for stress differed according to gender, duration of work in the profession, training in the profession and having psychiatric diagnosis. The findings were discussed within the framework of the relevant literature.