The Impact of Compassion Fatigue on Anxiety and Depression Among Veterinary Nurses: A Study on the Moderating Effect of Compassion Satisfaction

Abstract

Compassion fatigue, as an occupational psychological hazard, has been studied in many populations, yet there is limited evidence of the impact of compassion fatigue on veterinary nurses and how it contributes to anxiety and depression. This study operationalizes compassion fatigue as the cumulative effect of burnout and secondary traumatic stress and investigates the moderating role of compassion satisfaction in the relationship between compassion fatigue and mental illness constructs of anxiety and depression among veterinary nurses. Data was analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression and moderation analysis. Results indicate moderation effects of compassion satisfaction on the relationship between secondary traumatic stress and mental illness constructs of anxiety and depression. Compassion satisfaction did not moderate the effect of burnout on anxiety and depression. The study makes important theoretical contributions to the understanding of compassion fatigue in the caring professions and offers practical recommendations to veterinary organizations for establishing meaningful ways to engage employees so compassion satisfaction can be maximized to mitigate the effects of compassion fatigue on anxiety and depression.