Effect of group psychotherapy on the alleviation of psychiatric nurses' compassion fatigue

Abstract

Objective To explore the influence of group psychotherapy on the alleviation of psychiatric nurses' compassion fatigue. Methods A total of 190 psychiatric nurses were investigated by compassion fatigue scale. Forty psychiatric nurses were selected to accept group psychotherapy for 10 times. The scores of compassion fatigue scale were compared before and after group psychotherapy and the influencing factors of therapeutic effect were analyzed. Results Thirty-eight psychiatric nurses had accomplished the intervention and follow-up. Compared with before group psychotherapy, the total scores of compassion fatigue scale and the scores of mental tension, passive behavior, doubtful ability and loss of morale among 6 dimensions after group psychotherapy were improved: (83.28±7.01) scores vs. (102.60±7.24) scores, (2.66±0.42) scores vs. (3.11±0.49) scores, (2.02±0.36) scores vs. (2.55±0.41) scores, (1.99±0.33) scores vs. (2.65±0.38) scores, (1.69±0.34) scores vs. (2.76±0.44) scores, and there were significant differences, P<0.05. Regression analysis found that the work life, education level were correlated with the deduction rate of the total scores of compassion fatigue scale, t=2.858, 3.099, P<0.01. Conclusion Group psychotherapy can help psychiatric nurses to alleviate their compassion fatigue. Key words: Nurses; Compassion fatigue; Group psychotherapy; Psychiatry