Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between compassion fatigue, psychological resilience, and work–family life balance among healthcare professionals, and to determine whether these variables differ significantly according to professional group and the unit of employment.

Methods: This quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 469 healthcare professionals (115 physicians, 143 nurses, 106 licensed healthcare professionals, and 105 other healthcare personnel) working in the province of Sivas and reached through an online survey. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Compassion Fatigue Short Scale, the Brief Psychological Resilience Scale, and the Work–Family Life Balance Scale. Data analysis included independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Tukey and Tamhane post hoc multiple comparison tests, and Pearson correlation analysis.

Results: Healthcare professionals were found to have moderate levels of compassion fatigue and work–family life balance, and high levels of psychological resilience. Psychological resilience differed significantly across professional groups, with higher levels observed among licensed healthcare professionals; however, it did not differ significantly according to the unit of employment. Compassion fatigue varied significantly by both professional group and unit, with higher levels identified among physicians and those working in surgical units. Work–family life balance was significantly higher among outpatient clinic staff. Furthermore, a moderate, negative correlation was found between compassion fatigue and psychological resilience; a moderate, negative correlation between compassion fatigue and work–family life balance; and a weak, positive correlation between psychological resilience and work–family life balance.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that psychological resilience functions as a protective factor for healthcare professionals, whereas compassion fatigue exerts a detrimental effect on work–family life balance. Accordingly, institutional and individual interventions aimed at strengthening psychological resilience may contribute to reducing compassion fatigue and supporting work–family life balance.

Key words: Compassion fatigue, Psychological resilience, Work–family life balance