Empathy and Compassion Fatigue Among Helping Professionals: A Psychological Review

Abstract

Helping professionals such as doctors, nurses, counselors, social workers, and teachers play a vital role in addressing the emotional and physical needs of others. Their ability to empathize allows them to build trust, provide comfort, and deliver effective care. However, the continuous exposure to the suffering, trauma, and distress of others often leads to emotional exhaustion, known as compassion fatigue. This review explores the complex relationship between empathy and compassion fatigue, examining how excessive emotional involvement can transform empathy from a healing tool into a source of psychological strain. The article synthesizes research findings that highlight empathy’s dual role — as both a strength and a potential vulnerability — among helping professionals. It further discusses contributing factors such as workload, emotional overload, and lack of support, along with preventive strategies including mindfulness, self-care, and organizational support systems. Understanding compassion fatigue is essential for promoting emotional resilience, ensuring well-being, and sustaining compassionate care in professional settings.