Which term describes a negative effect of prolonged traumatic exposure on a caregiver's ability to empathize?

The term that best describes a negative effect of prolonged traumatic exposure on a caregiver's ability to empathize is compassion fatigue. This phenomenon occurs when caregivers become emotionally exhausted due to the continuous exposure to the trauma and suffering of those they care for. As they deal with the stress and emotional toll of their work, their ability to empathize with others can diminish, leading to a sense of detachment or reduced compassion over time.

Compassion fatigue is characterized by a gradual decline in compassion and empathy, which can negatively impact relationships with clients, friends, and family. This condition is significant in professions such as nursing, counseling, and child and youth care, where caregivers routinely engage with individuals facing serious challenges and trauma. Recognizing and addressing compassion fatigue is crucial to maintaining effective caregiving and personal well-being.

Other options, while related to stress and emotional challenges, do not specifically focus on the impact of trauma on empathy in the same manner. For example, burnout typically refers to a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress, but it does not specifically target the caregiving aspect like compassion fatigue does. Parental stress involves stress related to the responsibilities and demands of parenting but does not encompass the broader context of traumatic exposure faced by