The relationship between perceived levels of organizational support and levels of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among child welfare workers

Child protective service workers were surveyed to determine if perceived organizational support and levels of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction were related. Participants completed the Professional Quality of Life -- Revision IV to determine their risk for compassion fatigue and burnout, as well as their propensity for compassion satisfaction. They also completed the Job Stress Survey to assess perceptions of organizational support. Results revealed that child protective service workers are at increased risk for compassion fatigue and also have lower propensity for compassion satisfaction. Scores among the sample also revealed elevated risk for burnout. Perceptions of organizational support were not significantly different than other groups. Statistical analysis of the data revealed a positive correlation between compassion fatigue and lack of organizational support. However, when burnout was controlled, the relationship was no longer statistically significant. Demographic factors of gender, experience, and education did not significantly alter the observed relationship between perceived organizational support and compassion fatigue or compassion satisfaction. Analysis also revealed a negative correlation between compassion satisfaction and lack of organizational support. Recommendations for further research and practice improvement are offered.