Compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction in foster carers: a mixed methods approach

Background: Research suggests that caregiving professionals are at risk for developing both compassion fatigue (including both burnout and secondary traumatic stress (STS)) and compassion satisfaction (CS) through caring for others. However, foster carers have received little research attention. Aim: The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of, and predictors of, STS, burnout and CS in foster carers. Methods: A mixed methods design was employed. In the quantitative phase, participants (n= 99) completed an online survey to assess levels of burnout, STS and CS and to gain information on foster child behaviour, perceived social support, and self-care behaviour. Subsequently, semi-structured telephone interviews were completed with two groups of foster carers; those experiencing high levels of CS (n =5), and those experiencing high levels of compassion fatigue (n=5). Results: Results showed that foster carers experienced significantly higher levels of burnout, STS and CS compared to normative data (Stamm, 2010). Self-care behaviour was shown to be the strongest predictor of all three outcome variables (STS, burnout and CS). Qualitative analysis generated six main themes: ‘the foster child’, ‘being a foster parent’, ‘support’, ‘coping’, ‘the big brother effect’, and ‘outcomes’. Conclusion: This study provides both quantitative and qualitative evidence for the high risk of compassion fatigue (both STS and burnout) and the signficiant potential for CS in foster carers. It highlights the need for interventions to be developed and implented to help foster carers who are already experiencing compassion fatigue, in addition to the need to implement preventative measures, particularly practical (e.g. training) and emotional supports.