Stress Coping Strategies, Burnout, Secondary Traumatic Stress, and Compassion Satisfaction Amongst Israeli Dentists: A Cross-sectional Study

Prevalence and predictors for compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction in nursing students during clinical placement

Professional quality of life (ProQOL) is a critical indicator of psychological well-being among special education teachers, particularly given the emotional and instructional demands of teaching students with special needs. Coping strategies represent an important mechanism for managing occupational stress; however, empirical evidence examining how distinct coping strategies relate to multiple dimensions of ProQOL among special education teachers—especially in non-Western educational contexts—remains limited. To address this gap, this study aimed to examine the differential effects of problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant coping strategies on compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress among Indonesian special education teachers. This study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional design with 147 teachers working in special schools in the Bekasi area. Coping strategies were assessed using the 28-item Brief COPE Inventory, while professional quality of life was measured using the 30-item Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL-5). Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to establish construct validity, and multivariate regression analysis using Mplus 7 was performed to test the proposed relationships. The results indicated that problem-focused and emotion-focused coping were positively associated with compassion satisfaction and negatively associated with burnout, whereas avoidant coping was positively associated with secondary traumatic stress. These findings demonstrate that coping strategies exert differentiated effects across ProQOL dimensions rather than uniform influences, highlighting the importance of adaptive coping in sustaining teachers’ professional well-being. By extending ProQOL research beyond healthcare professions and situating it within the context of special education in Indonesia, this study offers context-specific empirical evidence that may inform targeted interventions aimed at enhancing compassion satisfaction and reducing burnout and trauma-related stress among special education teachers.

The study examined the prevalence of compassion fatigue and satisfaction among therapists providing mental health services in Israel following the October 7 Hamas attack and related events. It aimed to identify key factors, such as the populations treated, that predict levels of compassion fatigue and satisfaction, revealing the challenges therapists face in these high-demand settings. An online survey was conducted with 223 Israeli therapists treating survivors and their families. Professional and personal demographics were collected. Additionally, the Professional Quality of Life scale and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 were employed to assess compassion satisfaction, fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. 44.7% of therapists had moderate levels of burnout, 83.6% had average levels of secondary traumatic stress, and 64.8% had moderate to high levels of compassion satisfaction. Regression analyses indicated significant variations in compassion fatigue, based on the populations treated. Therapists working with bereaved families and families of hostages reported higher anxiety and secondary traumatic stress, whereas those working with reserve soldiers and their families reported lower anxiety and greater compassion satisfaction. Public sector therapists exhibited higher levels of burnout, secondary traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression compared to those in the private sector. The study points to the critical importance of addressing the emotional and psychological toll taken on therapists working in conflict zones, particularly those who, like their clients, are continuously exposed to trauma. The findings indicate a significant association between populations treated, personal and professional characteristics, and various outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Compassion Fatigue, Compassion Satisfaction & Burnout among Pediatric Nurses

The oncology setting may give rise to significant feelings of helplessness among oncologists via patients’ inevitable deaths or suffering. The current study examines whether and how oncologists’ sense of control (locus of control; LOC) influences their compassion fatigue and satisfaction. Methods: Seventy-three oncologists completed the following questionnaires: the Professional Quality of Life scale; Levenson’s Internal, Powerful Others, and Chance scale; the Guilt Inventory, State Guilt subscale; and the Learned Helplessness scale. Results: Oncologists reported high levels of secondary traumatic stress and burnout and moderate levels of compassion satisfaction. A positive association between oncologists’ external LOC and compassion fatigue, and a negative association between oncologists’ internal LOC and compassion fatigue, were found. Helplessness, but not guilt, had a mediating role in these associations. Internal LOC was also positively associated with compassion satisfaction. Conclusions: The current study highlights oncologists as a population at risk of experiencing compassion fatigue and emphasizes oncologists’ locus of control as a predisposition that plays a role in the development of this phenomenon. Additionally, the cognitive as well as the emotional aspects of control were found to be important factors associated with compassion fatigue.

This study explored the complex relationship between anxiety, depression, compassion fatigue, and satisfaction among long-term care (LTC) workers following the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the study assessed psychometric properties of the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) scale, to ensure a reliable and valid instrument for identifying compassion fatigue and satisfaction in the Serbian healthcare system. A cross-sectional study was conducted across LTC facilities in the Republic of Serbia. A ProQOL was administered to physicians, nurses, and aids, to measure compassion fatigue (including burnout and secondary traumatic stress) and compassion satisfaction. The following standardized instruments were also distributed: Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) and 12-Item Short-Form Health 36 Survey (SF-12). A total of 300 LTC workers participated, mostly women (86.3%), with an average age of 45.4 ± 10.5 years and a median work experience of 15 years (range: 1 to 42 years). The study reported a significant presence of anxiety and depression symptoms (53.3% and 43.3%, respectively), with LTC workers experiencing moderate levels of compassion fatigue, as indicated by burnout (58.3%) and stress (57.3%) subscales, and moderate or high levels of compassion satisfaction (49.0% and 50.0%, respectively). The study demonstrated that anxiety impacts depression both directly and indirectly (p<0.05). Specifically, burnout and compassion satisfaction mediated the positive effect of anxiety on depression, indicating that increased anxiety led to higher burnout and lower compassion satisfaction, which resulted in greater depression (p<0.05). The three-factor structure of the ProQOL was validated (IFI, TLI, and CFI were above the cut-off of ≥0.95, and the RMSEA was below the suggested value of ≤ 0.06). The Cronbach α of the three subscales was above 0.8, indicating good scale reliability. This study contributes to the broader literature on LTC workers wellbeing by examining the complex interplay between professional quality of life, anxiety, and depression. The findings should guide decision-makers in developing targeted interventions and policies that promote the psychological resilience and well-being of LTC workers, thereby enhancing both individual and organizational outcomes in the healthcare sector.

Compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among Chinese midwives working in the delivery room: A cross-sectional survey

Objective: To systematically evaluate the correlation between professional quality of life and social support of Chinese nurses based on Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients. Methods: In databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Medline, CBM, CNKI、Wanfang, and other databases were searched by computer for the literatures on correlation between Chinese nurses' professional quality of life and social support from January 2005 to July 2020. The Chinese and English search terms are "nurse" "professional quality of life" "empathy satisfaction" "empathy fatigue" "professional quality of life" "ProQOL" "comparison satisfaction" "comparison fatigue" "social support" "competent social support" "SSRS" "PSSS", etc. Literatures were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After evaluating quality and extracting data, meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: A total of 12 studies were included. The meta analysis showed that nurses' compassion satisfaction, burnout, secondary traumatic stress were related to social support, summary r were 0.35, -0.26 and -0.23 respectively. The correlation between compassion satisfaction and social support were increased with sample, the south was higher than the north, and comprehensive departments were higher than other departments (P<0.05) . The correlation between burnout and social support were increased with time and sample, and the south was higher than the north, oncology was higher than others, non-random sampling was higher than random sampling, using ProQOL and Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) was higher than Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL) and Social Support Racting Scale (SSRS) (P<0.05) . The correlation coefficient between secondary traumatic stress and social support in oncology was higher than others, random sampling was higher than non-random sampling, using ProQOL and PSSS was higher than ProQOL and SSRS (P<0.05) . Conclusion: There is a positive and weak correlation between compassion satisfaction and social support, and a negative and weak correlation between burnout and secondary traumatic stress and social support. There are differences in different time, research design, region and department.

Introduction: Nurses’ constant exposure to severe human suffering within constrained health care environments places them at risk for developing Secondary Traumatic Stress and Burnout. The current study therefore sought to establish the prevalence and social demographic factors associated with Secondary Traumatic Stress, Burnout and Compassion Satisfaction among Nurses working at selected Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. Methods: A correlational design employing a self-administered questionnaire adapted from version five of the Professional Quality of Life scale was used to collect data from 250 nurses drawn using proportional stratified sampling method. The resulting data were analyzed using version 23 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of Secondary Traumatic Stress and Burnout. Findings: Whilst the majority of respondents reported average levels of Secondary Traumatic Stress and Burnout, about a quarter reported high Secondary Traumatic Stress and Burnout scores at 23% and 26% respectively. Only 81 (32.4%) scored high on Compassion Satisfaction. Social demographic factors including; working in the main Intensive Care Unit, and being married accounted for the greatest variance in Secondary Traumatic Stress (R2 = 0.237, p 2 = 0.256, p < 0.001) scores. Compassion satisfaction was negatively correlated with both Secondary Traumatic Stress and Burnout. Conclusion: Findings of the current study signify a need to institute measures to help nurses cope with the deleterious psychological effects of constant engagement with those in distress and to foster Compassion Satisfaction.

Oncologists must communicate effectively with patients and their families about end of life (EOL). Despite the importance of communicating on this topic, many oncologists avoid these conversations. The objective of this study was to examine the associations between secondary traumatic stress and compassion satisfaction and approach and avoidant communication about EOL with cancer patients. A convenience sample of 79 oncologists (n=27 men, n=52 women) participated in the study. Oncologists completed a survey that included a sociodemographic and clinical information questionnaire, the Professional Quality of Life Scale, and Communication about End of Life Survey. To examine the effect of secondary traumatic stress and compassion satisfaction on approach and avoidant communication, while controlling for gender and age, 2 hierarchical linear regression analyses were computed. Oncologists reported high levels of secondary traumatic stress and high compassion satisfaction. Scores on the approach and avoidant communication scales were in the mid-range of the scale. Lower reports of secondary traumatic stress and higher compassion satisfaction were associated with higher approach communication strategies: however, only higher secondary traumatic stress was associated with higher avoidant communication strategies. Our findings indicate that there is an association between emotional factors and approach communication. The findings have clinical implications in designing effective communication skills training. Further research and training should take secondary traumatic stress and compassion satisfaction into consideration to be able to ensure that terminal patients and their families receive the best quality EOL care.

Aims. The aim of this study was to examine self-perceived compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among family physicians in Bosnia and Herzegovina and describe potential contributing factors. Methods. The cross-sectional study enrolled 120 family physicians. Professional quality of life compassion satisfaction and fatigue version 5 (ProQOL5) was used to assess compassion satisfaction and two components of compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress and burnout. The symptoms of chronic fatigue were evaluated using the Chalder fatigue scale. Results. The majority of family physicians had moderate levels of compassion satisfaction (70%), burnout (75%) and secondary traumatic stress (55.8%). Family physicians with higher levels of secondary traumatic stress reported chronic fatigue (p = 0.001), longer length of service (p = 0.024) and residency training (p = 0.041). Chronic fatigue (p = 0.001), living in a rural environment (p = 0.033), larger size of practice (p = 0.006) and high number of patients with chronic disease (p = 0.001) were associated with a higher risk of burnout. Conclusion. Family physicians with large practices, long years of experience, a high number of chronically ill patients and experiencing chronic fatigue are at risk of developing compassion fatigue. A systematic exploration of compassion fatigue in relation to working conditions might provide an appropriate starting point for the development of preventive interventions.

The rapid spread of COVID-19 poses a significant threat to nurses' lives and health, resulting in varying degrees of mental distress. Nurses may experience compassion fatigue, and their professional quality of life and satisfaction may suffer as a result. Their coping mechanisms may vary as well, influencing their compassionate and safe care. The study's objectives are to explore levels of compassion satisfaction and fatigue among nurses and identify their coping strategies. Further, to investigate the relationship between coping strategies, compassion satisfaction, and compassion fatigue during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a descriptive correlational design, this study was conducted with a convenience sample of 443 nurses working in an Egyptian university hospital. Nurses completed the coping strategy indicator scale and the professional quality of life (compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue) scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. Nurses' professional quality of life was average in terms of compassion satisfaction (2.95 ± 0.92) and compassion fatigue (2.38 ± 0.35). Nurses have a moderate use of coping strategies (2.13 ± 0.35). Problem-solving was rated as the highest coping strategy, while avoidance was rated as the lowest. Coping strategies showed a positive correlation with compassion satisfaction (r = 0.503, p < .001) and a negative correlation with compassion fatigue (r = -0.352, p < .001). In addition, coping strategies could predict 25.4% and 12.4% of compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue, respectively (p < .001). Compassion satisfaction and fatigue are key determinants of nurses' quality of work life. Coping strategies, especially problem-solving and support systems, are vital to increase compassion satisfaction and mitigate burnout and secondary stress syndrome. Nurse managers should establish supportive work environments that promote nurses' well-being. Resilience-building programs and coping strategies' training are recommended to enhance the nurses' quality of work life and positive work attitudes.

Objectiveto assess compassion fatigue levels among nurses and its variation according socio-demographic and professional characteristics.Methodquantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study, with 87 nurses from an emergency and urgent care unit for adults from a university hospital. A socio-demographic and professional questionnaire, along with the Professional Quality of Life Scale 5 were used. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Resultscompassion satisfaction presents the highest means, followed by burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Among the participants, 51% presented a high level of compassion satisfaction, 54% a high level of burnout, and 59% a high level of secondary traumatic stress. Older participants presented higher score of compassion satisfaction, and younger nurses, women, nurses having less job experience and nurses without leisure activities showed higher means of secondary traumatic stress.Conclusionwe found compassion fatigue, expressed in the large percentage of nurses with high levels of burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Fatigue is related to individual factors such as age, gender, job experience and leisure activities. Doing research and understanding this phenomenon allow the development of health promotion strategies at work.

Purpose: Study was conducted to identify the positive and negative aspects of professional quality of life among nurses at the Turkish Palestinian Friendship Hospital in Gaza Strip, as well as to look into the relationship between sociodemographic factors and professional quality of life among nurses at the Turkish Palestinian Friendship Hospital in Gaza Strip.&#x0D; Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design. The Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQoL), version 5, was used to collect data from 74 nurses who participated in the study, with an 84% response rate.&#x0D; Results: Study participants had high levels of compassion satisfaction (M= 3.9068; SD= 0.86979; WM 78.1%), moderate level of burnout (M= 3.2784; SD= 0.60845; WM 65.5%), and moderate level of secondary traumatic stress (M= 3.0027; SD= 0.77211; WM 60%). There are statistically significant determinants for compassion satisfaction with age group up to 40 years and older (F= 3.406, P= 0.039), participants who received oncology education (T = 2.297, P= 0.025). Also, there is a significant relationship between age group "31-40 years" and secondary traumatic stress in comparison with other groups (F= 4.234, P= 0.018). There are statistically significant determinants for secondary traumatic stress with moderate level of income (F= 6.057, P= 0.004). Also, there is a significant relationship between moderate level of income and burnout (F= 7.497, P= 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusions: Compassion satisfaction is high but burnout and secondary traumatic stress are moderate. Hospital administrators should work on developing strategies to improve compassion satisfaction while reducing burnout and secondary traumatic stress.

BackgroundParamedics experience traumatic events and social emergencies during assignments while also being subjected to verbal and physical threats. Consequently, they are at risk for burnout and secondary traumatic stress, factors inherent to professional quality of life. Defusing and peer-support potentially decrease such symptoms; however, perceived defusing needs and use are not always balanced. Our aim was to explore Finnish paramedics’ professional quality of life, using the Professional Quality of Life Scale, with associations to EMS assignment experiences as well as formal and informal defusing need and use over a 12-month period.MethodsA quantitative study of 257 Finnish paramedics using a cross-sectional design. Study outcomes were secondary traumatic stress (STS), compassion satisfaction (CS), and burnout (BO) scores using the modified 9-item Short Professional Quality of Life scale (ProQOL). Likert-type scales were used to collect participants’ recollections of assignment experiences and defusing from a 12-month period. Associations were explored using Spearman’s correlation coefficients.ResultsShort ProQOL score medians were STS 4.00 (IQR 3), BO 6.00 (IQR 3) and CS 13.00 (IQR 3). STS and BO correlated to experiences of social emergencies and traumatic events while BO correlated to experiences of threat situations (r = 0.206, p = .001). Paramedics perceived a need for defusing in general associated with STS (r = 0.178, p < .001) and participated in informal defusing. Participation in defusing of any form did not associate with ProQOL scores.ConclusionsFinnish paramedics’ more frequent experiences of social emergencies, traumatic events, and paramedic-directed threat situations were associated with higher levels of STS and BO. STS was also associated with paramedics’ increased need for defusing and use of informal peer defusing, although neither STS, BO or CS scores associated to any defusing form. Managing paramedics STS and BO, while fostering CS, could therefore be a future research focus.