Leadership Exchange - Summer 2011

TIPS FOR REDUCING OR ELIMINATING COMPASSION FATIGUE

BY JEANINE WARD-ROOF AND KATHY GUTHRIE

Recent research demonstrates low retention of profes- sionals in the student affairs field. Although a number of factors contribute to the retention dilemma, two of the most significant causes include the increasing com- plexities of student affairs work and higher levels of crisis management. Given the changing nature of our work, exploring the concept of compassion fatigue as it relates to student affairs could provide clues for keeping student affairs professionals in their positions.

A heightened understanding of research from other fields on the concept of compassion fatigue can help student affairs professionals create environments where they can manage the personal cost of care in student affairs and develop healthy support mechanisms to help them address complex issues.

Researchers have defined compassion fatigue as the declining ability to be empathetic and a possible reaction to an individual exposed to suffering. We explored student affairs professionals’ awareness of the compassion fatigue concept and questioned the strategies used to reduce such fatigue through a brief online survey this spring. More than 200 participants from all levels of student affairs offered the following strategies:

1Self-awareness and reflection High levels of self-awareness and reflection are key to understanding individual reactions to compassion fatigue and addressing personal needs. Participants noted a high level of self-awareness was particularly important when striving to maintain appropriate levels of compassion and empathy. Reflection also enabled participants to realize each situation and response as unique and to appreciate the importance of individual responses to those involved.

2Realistic boundaries and expectations In the current economic climate with shrinking resources, it is imperative to realize student affairs leaders cannot continue to expect more from staff and themselves. Although eliminating programs and services is not ideal, tying decisions to current data and institutional mission will offer senior student affairs officers the opportunity to create more realistic expectations and help themselves and others realize limits. In addition, setting appropriate boundaries helps to move situational response to the best level and provide optimal support to all involved.

3Distancing self Respondents suggested the need to take time away from
the situation, disconnecting or removing themselves from
the environment to gain a fresh perspective. By distancing
themselves from specific situations, student affairs profession-
als were able to evaluate their own emotions and reactions.
Participants also noted the need to re-energize by focusing on
priorities outside of the work environment that took them away
from the situation, albeit sometimes temporarily.

4Collaboration and communication Professionals suggested collaboration as a strategy for reducing fatigue. Collaboration can diffuse the burden of decision-making, enable the processing of situations with others, and create a support system for challenging and encouraging ideas. In addition, varying perspectives could ensure a more solid response to difficult situations.

5Personal wellness: physical activity and balance Physical activity—running, walking, tennis, basketball, or playing games with children—was noted as a pivotal way to help avoid the effects of compassion fatigue. Participants suggested that exercise helps clear the mind and puts things in perspective when they are inundated with complex situations. Maintaining balance was also cited as essential to personal wellness and avoiding compassion fatigue.

6Laughter and humor Colin Powell once said, “Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard.” Respondents suggest that keeping ones’ sense of humor is pivotal. Appropriately laughing and displaying humor helps to diffuse the range of emotions involved in complex situations.

This study illustrates some of the methods student affairs professionals are using to successfully manage the multiple complex issues they face in their daily work. Although student affairs work is different from those fields where professionals are constantly exposed to suffering, we must remain acutely aware of the many different types of tragedies we deal with on our campuses each year. We must continue to build proactive and protective systems and responses to lead our campus communities through these unfortunate events.