Emergency Telecommunicator Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of compassion fatigue?

1. Increased empathy

2. Emotional exhaustion

3. Detachment from job responsibilities

4. Physical symptoms like headaches

The correct answer is: Increased empathy

In the context of compassion fatigue, increased empathy is not a symptom associated with this condition. Compassion fatigue typically develops in professionals who are continually exposed to the suffering and emotional pain of others, which often leads to feelings of emotional exhaustion and detachment. Emotional exhaustion is characterized by a depletion of emotional resources, resulting from constant empathizing with others’ trauma. Detachment from job responsibilities can also occur as individuals may become overwhelmed and start to disengage from their work to protect themselves from further emotional strain. Additionally, physical symptoms like headaches can manifest as a result of the stress and exhaustion related to compassion fatigue. In contrast, increased empathy generally indicates a healthy level of emotional engagement and concern for others, which is contrary to the symptoms of compassion fatigue. Thus, individuals experiencing compassion fatigue usually demonstrate a decrease in their capacity for empathy rather than an increase.