Citation

Bourassa D. J. Interpers. Violence 2012; 27(9): 1699-1715.

Affiliation

Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0886260511430388

PMID

22203624

Abstract

Little research has focused on the risk factors, effects, and experiences of compassion fatigue among gerontological social workers. This qualitative study explores the experiences and perspectives of nine Adult Protective Services (APS) social workers in relation to compassion fatigue. Results show that the APS social workers combined personal characteristics and professional factors to develop boundary-setting mechanisms that protected them from experiencing the deleterious symptoms and effects of compassion fatigue. Implications center around the elements needed to implement boundaries in order to maintain a separation between the work and home environment. Suggestions for future research are provided.

Language: en