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Brend DM, Collin-Vézina D. Stronger together: Workplace social support among residential child welfare professionals. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 130:105302. [PMID: 34511308 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Residential childcare workers (RCWs) in child welfare and youth-justice settings are at risk of secondary traumatic stress, burnout, and moral distress. Workplace support has been shown to be protective against work-related harms for some helping professionals and a lack of workplace support has been cited as a contributing factor toward workforce instability; however, little is known about what types or sources of support are effective for RCWs. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING 81 RCWs from 11 residential units in 11 of the 16 territorial service centers across the province of Québec, Canada. METHODS This interpretive description study analyzed data extracted from transcripts of individual interviews guided by the Secure Base Interview protocol (Schofield & Beek, 2018). Responses to a single item were read for meaning, compared, contrasted, and then coded using the thematic analysis technique. The sources of support identified by participants as helpful were aggregated to reveal a common support system pattern. RESULTS Multiple sources of social support were described; the majority were interpersonal interactions with peers, unit managers, and various interdisciplinary team members. Informal individual supports without role overlap and teams with a common vision were most often cited, even when formal supports were available. CONCLUSIONS Implications of these findings include the need to conceptualize effective workplace social support for RCWs and to rethink the place of mutual-aid among trauma-exposed professionals in residential child welfare and youth-justice settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Michelle Brend
- Canadian Consortium on Child & Youth Trauma, Canada; École de travail social et de criminologie, Université Laval, Pavillon Charles-De Koninck, Bureau 6459, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Delphine Collin-Vézina
- Centre for Research on Children and Families, Canada; Canadian Consortium on Child & Youth Trauma, Nicolas Steinmetz and Gilles Julien Chair in Social Pediatrics in Community, Canada; School of Social Work & Associate Member, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, 3506 University street, Room 321B, Montreal, Québec H3A2A7, Canada.
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2
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Guay S, Lemyre A, Geoffrion S. Work-related predictors of mental health, presenteeism, and professional quality of life following exposure to a potentially traumatic event in child protection workers. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2037904. [PMID: 35251530 PMCID: PMC8896205 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2022.2037904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) at work can have a negative impact on the psychological health and work life of child protection workers (CPWs). The most common form of work-related PTE experienced by CPWs consists of aggressive behaviours from the youths or their parents. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify modifiable work-related variables that might influence the probability of experiencing impaired mental health and professional adjustment following a PTE. METHOD The participants were CPWs from two youth social services organizations in Canada. A survey was administered to CPWs within one month of a work-related PTE (Time 1; n = 176), two months after the PTE (Time 2; n = 168), six months after the PTE (Time 3; n = 162), and 12 months after the PTE (Time 4; n = 161). Lagged linear mixed models allowed for the independent variables measured at Time 1, Time 2, and Time 3 to predict the outcome variables as measured on the next assessment (Time 2, Time 3, and Time 4, respectively). The outcomes of interest were insomnia symptoms, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and post-traumatic stress symptoms, as well as presenteeism (inadequate work performance) and professional quality of life. RESULTS Confidence in one's own ability to cope with service user aggression negatively predicted depressive, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms as well as presenteeism, and positively predicted professional quality of life. The perception of job safety negatively predicted depressive, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms, and positively predicted professional quality of life. Finally, psychological demands from work positively predicted all mental health outcomes as well as presenteeism, and negatively predicted professional quality of life. CONCLUSIONS This study identified work-related variables that could be modified in an attempt to prevent the negative impacts of exposure to work-related PTEs, especially, aggressive behaviours from the service users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Guay
- School of Criminology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Trauma Studies Centre, Institut universitaire en santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Alexandre Lemyre
- School of Criminology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Trauma Studies Centre, Institut universitaire en santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Steve Geoffrion
- Trauma Studies Centre, Institut universitaire en santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Dufour R, Juster RP, Geoffrion S. Effect of Gender Roles and Workplace Violence on the Professional Quality of Life and Wellbeing at Work Among Child Protection Workers. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 65:277-290. [PMID: 33125466 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to workplace violence puts child protection workers at risk for adverse occupational outcomes. While previous studies have identified protective and risk factors, individual differences in gender roles have yet to be explored. Moving beyond sex, the present study aims to examine the ways in which gender roles influence exposure to workplace violence, professional quality of life, and wellbeing at work among child protection workers. A randomized sample stratified by sex of 301 Canadian child protection workers (male: 15.6%, female: 84.4%) completed validated questionnaires of gender roles, professional quality of life, and wellbeing at work. We assessed mean differences using analyses of covariances controlling for clinical experience and type of work. We then assessed the moderating effect of gender roles on other variables through hierarchical multiple linear regressions. Androgyny (high masculinity and high femininity) was associated with higher scores on positive indicators of professional quality of life and wellbeing at work. However, gender roles showed no significant moderating effect on the relationship between exposure to violence, professional quality of life, and wellbeing at work. Results suggest that androgyny could be related to potential psychosocial benefits for child protection workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renaud Dufour
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, 90, av. Vincent d'Indy, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, 2900, boul. Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Steve Geoffrion
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Geoffrion S, Lamothe J, Fraser S, Lafortune D, Dumais A. Worker and perceived team climate factors influence the use of restraint and seclusion in youth residential treatment centers: Results from a mixed-method longitudinal study. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 111:104825. [PMID: 33250278 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Restraint and seclusion (R&S) are controversial methods of intervention aimed at protecting children from immediate harm in residential treatment centers (RTC). Previous studies have mainly focused on situational factors and youth characteristics to predict its use. OBJECTIVES This study sought to evaluate the role other potential predictors could play in the decision to use R&S, namely characteristics of residential workers and their perceived team climate. METHODS For two months, a total of 132 residential workers from different RTC in the greater Montreal area completed weekly diaries of standardized questionnaires. Using an explanatory sequential design (i.e., mixed methods), this study aimed at exploring the role of residential workers' characteristics (e.g., exposure to client aggression, stress and fatigue) and aspects of their perceived team climate (e.g., order and organization, communication and openness) as predictors of R&S use. Survey results were later also presented to four focus groups for discussion. RESULTS Results indicated that exposure to verbal violence from youths was associated with the increased use of R&S. Meanwhile, perceived communication and openness were associated with lower rates of R&S use. Participants shared that repeated exposure to verbal violence diminished their level of tolerance while teamwork provided them with the emotional space needed to focus on the needs of youths and find alternatives to R&S. CONCLUSION This study sheds light on the complex role of human emotions in the decision to use of R&S. Specifically, intense momentary emotions during crisis interventions had a greater influence on the use R&S than chronic states, such as fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Geoffrion
- School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Trauma Studies Centre, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Institut Universitaire sur les Jeunes en Difficultés, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Josianne Lamothe
- Trauma Studies Centre, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; School of Criminology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sarah Fraser
- School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Denis Lafortune
- Institut Universitaire sur les Jeunes en Difficultés, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; School of Criminology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alexandre Dumais
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Domon-Archambault V, Terradas MM, Drieu D, De Fleurian A, Achim J, Poulain S, Jerrar-Oulidi J. Mentalization-Based Training Program for Child Care Workers in Residential Settings. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2020; 13:239-248. [PMID: 32549935 PMCID: PMC7290019 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-019-00269-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Most of the children placed in child welfare residential care have experienced complex traumas linked to various forms of abuse and neglect, which have many important developmental impacts. Research shows that maltreatment is associated with increased aggression and disruptive behavior, internalizing difficulties, violence towards self and others, sexualized behaviors, academic difficulties, and early drug abuse. These experiences also negatively affect the attachment system and the mentalization process of the child. Consequently, working with this population represents a challenge for child care workers. This article describes a mentalization-based training program for child care workers who care for children aged six to 12 years old. First, the general framework of the training program is presented. Then, some of the therapeutic strategies used to improve the children's mentalizing capacity are described. Those strategies are adapted to the psychic functioning level of the child. Finally, a summary of a preliminary study of the program's efficacy are presented. This work suggests that mentalization-based interventions might represent a valuable approach in child welfare residential care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Domon-Archambault
- CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, 1001 rue de Maisonneuve, bureau 686, Montréal, Québec H2L 4P9 Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Stéphane Poulain
- Hébergement thérapeutique, Maison des adolescents de Caen, Caen, France
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Lamothe J, Couvrette A, Lebrun G, Yale-Soulière G, Roy C, Guay S, Geoffrion S. Violence against child protection workers: A study of workers' experiences, attributions, and coping strategies. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2018; 81:308-321. [PMID: 29778040 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Child protection workers (CPWs) are frequently exposed to client violence, both psychological and physical, in their line of work whether they operate in the community or in residential settings. Despite this known vulnerability, research on the subject has lagged. The current study sought to analyze CPWs' experiences with client violence, their interpretation of it, its perceived consequences and their coping strategies. Specifically, 30 CPWs working both in the community and in residential settings, took part in an in-depth, semi-structured interview. A thematic analysis revealed that CPWs view client violence as a recurring and pervasive problem in their line of work. Residential workers described a greater frequency of violence, especially physical violence. CPWs however perceived violence differently, with some viewing this problem as 'part-of-the-job' while others described client violence as a 'call-for-help' on behalf of clients. Perceived consequences varied in severity and breath. CPWs reported consequences at the psychological (e.g. fear, hypervilence, sadness, nightmares), organizational (e.g. loss of motivation, turnover intention, sick leaves) and clinical levels (e.g. emotional detachment from clients, avoiding clients). CPWs also described numerous coping strategies, some effective while others appeared short-sighted. This study concludes with recommendations with regards to client violence in child protection work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josianne Lamothe
- School of criminology, Université de Montréal, Research Center Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Pavillon Fernand-Seguin, 7331, rue Hochelaga, Montréal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada.
| | - Amélie Couvrette
- Department of psychology and psychoeducation, Université du Québec en Outaouais Pavillon Alexandre-Taché, local C-2700, C.P. 1250, succursale Hull-Gatineau, Québec, J8X 3X7, Canada; International centre for comparative criminology (ICCC), Research Center Institut Universitaire, en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Pavillon Fernand-Seguin, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Station, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Lebrun
- School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Yale-Soulière
- School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Camille Roy
- School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Stéphane Guay
- School of criminology, Université de Montréal, Research Center Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Pavillon Fernand-Seguin, 7331, rue Hochelaga, Montréal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
| | - Steve Geoffrion
- School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal, Research Center Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Pavillon Fernand-Seguin, Canada
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Guay S, Tremblay N, Goncalves J, Bilodeau H, Geoffrion S. Effects of a peer support programme for youth social services employees experiencing potentially traumatic events: a protocol for a prospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e014405. [PMID: 28647721 PMCID: PMC5623380 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of peer support programmes to help workers experiencing potentially traumatic events (PTE) has increased in high-risk organisations in the last decades. However, the scientific evidence of its effectiveness is still very limited. This paper aims to describe the protocol of a prospective cohort study that assesses the efficacy of a peer support programme among youth social services employees exposed to a PTE at work on psychological well-being, work functioning and needs of support. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a mixed-methods prospective study that will examine workers' evolution four times over a 12-month period in Canada. This study involves: (1) quantitative data obtained through self-administrated questionnaires among 222 workers, and (2) qualitative in-depth interviews with a subsample of 45 workers. This study will compare findings from a cohort who received the support of a peer following a PTE (peer support-experimental protocol) as part of the experimental protocol of the Montreal Youth Social Services-University Institute (MYSS-UI), the second group of workers did not ask for the peer support (no peer support-experimental protocol) but was part of MYSS-UI, and the third group received standard organisational support from the Monteregie Youth Social Services (MYSS) (standard organisational protocol). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocol and informed consent form complied with the ethics guidelines of the MYSS-UI. The Research Ethics Board of MYSS-UI and MYSS reviewed and accepted the protocol as required. The results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at research and general public conferences, disseminated via a public report for the institute that funded the project and for all workers. Results of this study will influence decision making regarding intervention policies following PTE and peer support interventions may be expanded throughout the youth social services in Canada and worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane Guay
- École de criminologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Trauma Studies Centre, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicole Tremblay
- Trauma Studies Centre, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jane Goncalves
- Trauma Studies Centre, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Henriette Bilodeau
- Département d'organisation et ressources humaines, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Steve Geoffrion
- Trauma Studies Centre, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- École de psychoéducation, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Geoffrion S, Giguère CÉ, Fortin M, Fortin C, Guay S. Validation de la version française canadienne du Perception of Prevalence of Aggression Scale auprès d’un échantillon d’intervenants en protection de la jeunesse1. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.7202/1039685ar] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectif. L’objectif de cette étude est d’évaluer la validité de construit de la version française de l’échellePerception Of Prevalence of Aggression Scale (POPAS), un questionnaire auto-rapporté mesurant l’exposition à la violence au travail commise par la clientèle du milieu de la santé et des services sociaux.Méthode. Un échantillon de 310 intervenants en protection de la jeunesse est utilisé afin de confirmer la structure interne à quatre facteurs de l’instrument. À défaut de confirmer cette structure, un modèle d’équation structurelle exploratoire est utilisé. Les facteurs retenus sont soumis aux tests d’alpha de Cronbach qui permettent d’évaluer leur cohérence interne. Ils sont corrélés avec la version française duPosttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Scale(PCLS) et du nombre de jours d’absence du travail causé par la violence afin d’évaluer la validité convergente. Il sont également corrélées avec leFelt Accountability(FA) afin d’évaluer la validité divergente. Des analyses de comparaison en fonction du lieu de travail permettent d’explorer la validité de critère.Résultats. L’analyse factorielle confirmatoire ne confirme pas la structure à quatre facteurs du POPAS. L’équation structurelle exploratoire valide une structure à trois facteurs : « violence verbale », « violence physique » et « violence envers soi-même ». Les deux premiers possèdent une bonne cohérence interne. Les corrélations positives entre ces deux facteurs et le PCLS, ainsi qu’entre ces deux facteurs et le nombre de jours d’absence appuient la validité convergente du POPAS. Toutefois, l’absence de corrélation significative entre le dernier facteur et le PCLS, et entre ce facteur et le nombre de jour d’absence n’appuient pas cette convergence. L’absence de corrélation des facteurs avec le FA appuie la validité divergente du POPAS. Les différences observées selon les environnements de travail attestent aussi de la validité de critère.Discussion. La validité de construit de la version française canadienne du POPAS suggère que l’outil permet d’évaluer la fréquence subjective de différentes formes de violence au travail vécues par les intervenants en protection de la jeunesse. Il offre ainsi une alternative aux données officielles (c.-à-d. déclaration d’incidents à l’employeur) qui reflètent peu la réalité de ces travailleurs compte tenu de la sous-déclaration des incidents de violence dans ce milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Geoffrion
- École de psychoéducation, Université de Montréal. Correspondance : École de psychoéducation, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal (Québec) H3C 3J7
| | | | | | - Christophe Fortin
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal
| | - Stéphane Guay
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal
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Geoffrion S, Morselli C, Guay S. Rethinking Compassion Fatigue Through the Lens of Professional Identity: The Case of Child-Protection Workers. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2016; 17:270-283. [PMID: 25985989 DOI: 10.1177/1524838015584362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Compassion fatigue is currently the dominant model in work-related stress studies that explain the consequences of caring for others on child-protection workers. Based on a deterministic approach, this model excludes the role of cognition a priori and a posteriori in the understanding of the impact of caregiving or providing social support. By integrating the notion of professional identity, this article adds a subjective perspective to the compassion fatigue model allowing for the consideration of positive outcomes and takes into account the influence of stress caused by accountability. Mainly, it is argued that meanings derived from identity and given to situations may protect or accelerate the development of compassion fatigue or compassion satisfaction. To arrive at this proposition, the notions of compassion fatigue and identity theory are first reviewed. These concepts are then articulated around four work-related stressors specific to child-protection work. In light of this exercise, it is argued that professional identity serves as a subjective interpretative framework that guides the understanding of work-related situations. Therefore, compassion fatigue is not only a simple reaction to external stimuli. It is influenced by meanings given to the situation. Furthermore, professional identity modulates the impact of compassion fatigue on psychological well-being. Practice, policy, and research implications in light of these findings are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Geoffrion
- School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Carlo Morselli
- School of Criminology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Stéphane Guay
- Trauma Studies Center, Institut Universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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