title: Personality traits associated with genetic counselor compassion fatigue: the roles of dispositional optimism and locus of control.
abstract: Compassion fatigue (CMF) arises as a consequence of secondary exposure to distress and can be elevated in some health practitioners. Locus of control and dispositional optimism are aspects of personality known to influence coping style. To investigate whether these personality traits influence CMF risk, we surveyed 355 genetic counselors about their CMF, locus of control orientation, and degree of dispositional optimism. Approximately half of respondents reported they experience CMF; 26.6% had considered leaving their job due to CMF symptoms. Mixed-method analyses revealed that genetic counselors having an external locus of control and low optimism were at highest risk for CMF. Those at highest risk experienced moderate-to-high burnout, low-to-moderate compassion satisfaction, and tended to rely on religion/spirituality when coping with stress. CMF risk was not influenced by years in practice, number of genetic counselor colleagues in the workplace, or completion of graduate training in this area. Recommendations for practice and education are outlined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prenatal Diagnosis and Medical Genetics Program, Mount Sinai Hospital, Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Health Complex, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada. marie.injeyan@gmail.com
authors.forename: Marie C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Injeyan
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Shuman
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shugar
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chitayat
authors.forename: Eshetu G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Atenafu
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kaiser
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D004645:Empathy; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D010551:Personality; D000078329:Workforce