Commentary: Self-Oriented Empathy and Compassion Fatigue: The Serial Mediation of Dispositional Mindfulness and Counselor's Self-Efficacy

Abstract

Zhang et al. (2021), in their recent article exploring "the association between self-oriented empathy and compassion fatigue" (p. 1) stated that "Compassion fatigue (CF) is an empathetic reaction resulting from frequently witnessing the emotional or physical suffering of others or repeatedly listening to a person suffering from mental or physical dysfunction" (p. 1).If one returns to Davis' original Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) scale development (Davis, 1983), the following is stated about the subscales under consideration, "The Empathic Concern (EC) scale assesses "other-oriented" feelings of sympathy and concern for unfortunate others, and the Personal Distress (PD) scale measures "self-oriented" feelings of personal anxiety and unease in tense interpersonal settings" (p. 114) (emphasis added).

Predictors of Empathic Concern: The Roles of Compassion Fatigue and Positive Affect

“…While this study did not directly measure mindfulness and self-compassion, the results are consistent with literature suggesting that these factors play a crucial mediating role in the relationship between empathy and professional quality of life. For instance, Chapman (2021) found that dispositional mindfulness and self-compassion can enhance self-oriented empathy and reduce Compassion Fatigue among counsellors (Chapman, 2021). Incorporating mindfulness-based interventions could therefore be beneficial in fostering empathic concern while protecting against emotional exhaustion (Birnie et al, 2010).…”

“…High levels of Positive Affect have been associated with increased resilience, improved coping strategies, and enhanced overall well-being (Zdun-Ryżewska et al, 2022). Moreover, Positive Affect can foster a more empathetic and compassionate professional demeanor, thereby enhancing the quality of care provided to clients and patients (Chapman, 2021).…”