How to Measure Compassion Fatigue

Compassion Fatigue is a term used to describe the exhaustive physical and emotional pain experienced by people caring for others. Symptoms include feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, physical and emotional exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, irritability and cynicism. There are varying degrees of severity of compassion fatigue, each dependent for the most part on the caregivers' individual coping mechanisms. The gold standard for measuring compassion fatigue is the ProQOL Measure designed by Beth Stamm.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet connection

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Instructions

• 1

  Acknowledging that you may be experiencing some degree of compassion fatigue is the first step in measuring its extent. Oftentimes it is easy to discount feelings of hopelessness and helplessness as simply the result of working too hard or overdoing things. Caregivers are especially vulnerable to varying levels of compassion fatigue. You can initiate the process of healing once you come to terms with the realization that you may have nothing more to give of yourself.

• 2

  Access the ProQOL Measure at ProQOL.org, and download the ProQOL test and self-score. The ProQOL test consists of a series of questions that deal with both the positive and negative aspects of your experiences as a caregiver. The results can help you recognize your own personal symptoms of compassion fatigue and can also serve as a warning system for you. The ability to recognize your own level of compassion fatigue is the most effective way to implement some strategies in prevention.

• 3

  Complete the ProQOL test and self-score your results. The ProQOL provides you with examples of outcomes, a self-scoring summary and statistical information on overall results. It should be used as a basic guideline in measuring your individual degree of compassion fatigue. You should note the guideline is in place to assist, not supplant, sound judgment. If you have concerns with your individual results, you are encouraged to contact your professional physical or mental heath care provider for a more accurate assessment of your findings.