Pathways to compassion satisfaction in mental health crisis work Claudia Vogelsang

Format:

Book

Thesis/Dissertation

Author/Creator:

Vogelsang, Claudia, author.

Contributor:

University of Pennsylvania. Social Welfare., degree granting institution.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Social work.

Social research.

Mental health.

0452.

0344.

0624.

0347.

Local Subjects:

Social work.

Social research.

Mental health.

0452.

0344.

0624.

0347.

Genre:

Academic theses

Physical Description:

1 online resource (101 pages)

Contained In:

Dissertations Abstracts International 87-12B

Place of Publication:

Ann Arbor : ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, 2026

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Introduction: As the rates of suicide in America increase, Crisis Intervention Specialists (CIS) must develop coping capacity to work with individuals who are suicidal. Despite the growing need for CIS, the well-being of those providing the necessary interventions remains under researched.Purpose: This study explored compassion satisfaction (CS) and compassion fatigue (CF) among CIS, using Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional Model of Stress and Coping as the guiding framework. The specific aim was to test and extend the stress and coping theory to self care, perceived professional support, and coping style as applied to CIS CS and CF.Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed a convenience sample of 232 CIS workers from crisis centers across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To understand the direct and indirect effects of supervisory support, self-care, and coping style on CS and CF, a path analysis was conducted.Results: CS was experienced at a high rate (98.6%), while 60% of respondents also experienced CF, comprised of burnout and secondary traumatic stress (STS). Half of respondents reported experiences of burnout and STS symptoms were reported by 44% of respondents. The path model identified self-care as the strongest direct effect of CS (β = 0.616, p < .001) and CF (β = -0.660, p < .001). Individual cognitive appraisals of the work environment and coping capacity played a significant role in activating self-care and other coping strategies. The only direct effect of supervisory support was on the cognitive appraisal process.Conclusion: The path model demonstrated good explanatory power for both compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue within the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping. CIS iii workers experience a high degree of compassion satisfaction. Agencies and CIS workers can reduce the likelihood of compassion fatigue outcomes through a two-pronged strategy that focuses on increasing individual coping capacity and environmental supports to reduce stress perceptions. Education on cognitive appraisal processes, self-care, and compassion fatigue can lead to improved coping capacity. Organizations and supervisors can support worker well-being through professional development, formal supervision, and workplace structures that emphasize cognitive appraisals and self-care

Notes:

Source: Dissertations Abstracts International, Volume: 87-12, Section: B.

Advisors: Corcoran, Jacqueline Committee members: Bachman, Sarah; Tomescu, Oana

Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania 2026

Vendor supplied data

Local Notes:

School code: 0175

ISBN:

9798247982975

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license