Download Lecturette on Figley`s compassion fatigue development model

Session Two: Lecturette on Figley’s compassion fatigue development model
Type of Activity: A presentation on the components of compassion fatigue, as
conceptualized by Figley.
Goal of the Activity: To help participants understand how compassion fatigue
development has been conceptualized on a theoretical level.
Stage of Group Development: Used during the middle of the second session, this
activity helps participants better understand how compassion fatigue, on a theoretical
level, develops, which will facilitate understanding on a personal level.
Population: This activity is best used with participants who have been through session
one of this series (Introduction to Compassion Fatigue) and who have an interest in
theoretical foundations of psychological functioning. As indicated in the ‘Special
Considerations’, if this presentation were being given to another population this section
may need to be left out.
Materials Required: Figley’s Model Handout
Time Required: The timing for this activity is flexible, however for the purposes of this
session a 10-minute timeframe should be maintained.
Procedure: ‘we’ and ‘I’ refers to the facilitators and ‘you’ refers to the participants
1. Introduction to Figley’s Model: a brief explanation of Figley’s compassion fatigue
model.
a. If you look into compassion fatigue you are likely going to come across a
lot of Figley’s work. Figley coined the term compassion fatigue and has
conducted various studies looking at its development. This research has
resulted in the development of the “compassion stress and fatigue model”,
which we will now go over. To facilitate this process we have a handout
for you with this model outlined (pass around handout now).
2. Going over each component of the model: a brief explanation of each componenet
is provided:
a. Exposure to suffering is experiencing the feelings of the sufferer as a
function of exposure to the sufferer;
b. Empathic Concern is the motivation to respond to people in need.
c. Empathic Ability is the aptitude for noticing the pain of others.
i. As we can see these are all elements that lead one to respond to an
individual in need, here termed ‘empathetic response’.
d. Empathic Response is the extent to which the helper makes an effort to
reduce the suffering of the sufferer.
i. However, in conjunction with an empathetic response an
individual may also experience detachment or a sense of
satisfaction.
e. Detachment is the extent to which the helper can distance himself or
herself from the ongoing misery of the traumatized person.
f. Sense of Satisfaction is the extent to which the helper is satisfied with his
or her efforts to help the client/sufferer.
i. Now at this point all emotion associated with working with an or
many individuals may end, however it is does not it may lead to
come of these other effects which serve as warning signs that one
is developing compassion fatigue.
g. Residual Compassion Stress is the compulsive demand for action to
relieve the suffering of others.
h. Prolonged Exposure is the on-going sense of responsibility for the care
of the suffering, over a protracted period of time.
i. Traumatic Memories are memories that trigger the symptoms of Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and associated reactions, such as
depression and generalized anxiety.
i. Let’s also not forget that we are humans and have things going on
outside of our work that may have a huge influence on how we
cope day to day.
j. Other life demands are the unexpected changes in schedule, routine, and
life responsibilities that demand attention (e.g., illness, changes in life
style, social status, professional and personal.
i. All these factors contribute to compassion fatigue.
k. Compassion Fatigue is the state of tension and preoccupation with the
traumatized by (a) Re-experiencing the traumatic events; (b)
Avoidance/numbing of reminders, and (c) Persistent arousal; and are the
natural consequent behaviors and emotions that result from knowing about
a traumatizing event experienced by another.
i. Figley has also used another term that is used to refer to an intense
form of compassion fatigue.
l. Compassion Trap is the inability to let go of the thoughts, feelings and
emotions useful in helping another, long after they are useful.
3. Processing questions: These questions will focus on whether or not the
participants feel like the model is useful and whether or not it is understandable.
a. What do you think of this model?
b. What confuses you about this model? What makes sense for you?
c. How does this model influence your understanding of compassion fatigue?
Possible Variations:
The model can be drawn on a board or presented on a powerpoint slide, having each
component come up as it is addressed.
Special Considerations: This section of the session is very theoretical and may need to
be replaced for any audience that does not have an academic background in
psychological theories and research.
Compassion Fatigue Model of Development:
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.