Topic 2: Differentiating Compassion Fatigue from Burnout

Topic 2: Differentiating Compassion Fatigue from Burnout

While compassion fatigue and burnout share some similarities, they are distinct concepts. Burnout typically results from work-related stress, such as high workload and lack of resources, whereas compassion fatigue is emotionally driven, arising from prolonged exposure to others’ trauma.

Key Differences:

  • Burnout is related to job-related stress, inefficiencies, and high demands. 
  • Compassion fatigue stems from emotional exhaustion due to empathy overload. 
Feature Burnout Compassion Fatigue
Cause High workload, job-related stress Prolonged exposure to others’ trauma
Symptoms Frustration, cynicism, disengagement Emotional exhaustion, decreased empathy
Impact Affects job performance and motivation Affects emotional well-being and empathy
Solution Adjust workload, improve workplace conditions Emotional self-care, boundaries, supervision