COMPASSION FATIGUE, RUMINATION, AND LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AFTER COVID-19

Abstract

Background: Mental health professionals, including nurses, psychiatrists, and psychologists, are frequently exposed to emotionally demanding situations that may lead to psychological challenges such as compassion fatigue and persistent negative thinking or rumination. The prolonged experience of emotional strain can diminish personal well-being and life satisfaction. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these stressors, making it critical to understand their psychological impact on caregivers. This study aimed to explore how compassion fatigue and rumination are associated with life satisfaction among mental health professionals post-COVID-19.

Objective: To examine the relationship and predictive value of compassion fatigue and rumination on life satisfaction and to explore the mediating role of rumination among mental health professionals following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A correlational research design was employed, and purposive sampling was used to recruit 171 mental health professionals aged 25–50 years from various psychiatry departments. Participants completed the Compassion Fatigue and Satisfaction Test (ProQOL), the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS), and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, including Pearson correlation, linear regression, mediation analysis, and independent t-tests.

Results: Compassion satisfaction was negatively correlated with rumination (r = –.36, p < .001) and positively associated with life satisfaction (r = .24, p < .01). Burnout and secondary traumatic stress showed significant positive correlations with rumination (r = .53 and .39, respectively; p < .001) and negative correlations with life satisfaction (r = –.23 and –.33, respectively; p < .01). Regression analysis revealed that compassion satisfaction positively predicted life satisfaction (β = .166, p = .034), while secondary traumatic stress negatively predicted it (β = –.273, p = .003). Rumination fully mediated the relationship between compassion fatigue and life satisfaction (ΔR² = .03, p < .01).

Conclusion: The study confirms that compassion fatigue and rumination negatively impact life satisfaction among mental health professionals, with rumination acting as a key mediator. These findings highlight the need for targeted psychological interventions to manage cognitive and emotional strain in caregiving roles.