Compassion Fatigue Test

Check your level of compassion fatigue with Carepatron's free PDF download of a compassion fatigue test and example. Understand the signs and symptoms.

By Wynona Jugueta on Aug 2, 2025.

Fact Checked by Nate Lacson.

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What is compassion fatigue?

Compassion fatigue is a condition experienced by caregivers and healthcare professionals, characterized by emotional exhaustion and a diminished ability to empathize with patients. It arises from prolonged exposure to the suffering of others, often leading to secondary traumatic stress (Figley, 1995). Unlike burnout, which develops over time due to workplace stress, compassion fatigue can emerge suddenly and intensely as a response to secondary trauma or secondary exposure to traumatic events.

Professionals experiencing compassion fatigue may exhibit warning signs such as irritability, negative feelings towards their job, and a decrease in compassion satisfaction—the pleasure derived from helping others. These symptoms can significantly impact the professional quality of life, affecting their ability to provide high and professional quality care.

The most commonly used measure to assess compassion fatigue is the Professional Quality of Life Scale, which includes a compassion fatigue self-test. This tool helps identify both the positive and negative effects of caregiving, offering insights into the balance between compassion satisfaction and the risks of secondary traumatic stress.

Recognizing and addressing compassion fatigue is crucial for maintaining the well-being of caregivers. Self-care strategies, including seeking support from other caregivers and engaging in the healing process, can mitigate its impact.

Compassion Fatigue Test Template

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What is the Compassion Fatigue Test?

The Compassion Fatigue Test is an assessment tool designed to measure the level of compassion fatigue in caregivers and healthcare professionals. The test measures key factors such as empathy, secondary trauma, and satisfaction, providing a comprehensive overview of your professional quality of life.

The test helps identify symptoms of emotional exhaustion, secondary traumatic stress, and decreased compassion satisfaction. The tool for recognizing early warning signs and implementing self-care strategies to mitigate the impact of secondary trauma, ultimately ensuring that caregivers can maintain their well-being and continue providing high-quality care.

How is it scored?

The Compassion Fatigue Test , developed by Figley (1995), is a widely used instrument to measure compassion fatigue and job burnout.

The CFST consists of 40 items divided into two subscales: 23 items for compassion fatigue and 17 items for burnout. Respondents rate how frequently each characteristic applies to them on a scale from 1 (rarely/never) to 5 (very often).

Scores on the compassion fatigue subscale range from 26 or below (extremely low risk) to 41 or more (extremely high risk). For burnout, scores range from 36 or below (extremely low risk) to 76 or more (extremely high risk).

Next steps after conducting/taking this test

After taking the Compassion Fatigue Test, it’s important to interpret your results and take appropriate action based on your risk level. If you score in the moderate to high-risk categories for compassion fatigue or burnout, consider seeking support from a mental health professional or a support group. Implementing self-care strategies, such as regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and setting boundaries, can help mitigate symptoms. Engage in open conversations with colleagues or supervisors about your workload and emotional well-being. Regularly reassessing your compassion fatigue levels can also help monitor your progress and ensure you maintain a healthy professional quality of life.

How to use our Compassion Fatigue Test template

Carepatron's Compassion Fatigue Test template is designed to help medical professionals assess their risk of compassion fatigue and burnout. Here is how you can use Carepatron's Compassion Fatigue Test template:

Step 1: Access the template

Begin by accessing Carepatron's Compassion Fatigue Test template in our Resource Library. This life scale tool is developed to measure compassion fatigue and burnout using subscales for each.

Step 2: Complete the assessment

Respond to each item based on your recent feelings and experiences. The test includes items related to empathy, suffering, trauma, and satisfaction. Rate how often you experience each feeling, from rarely to very often.

Step 3: Interpret your scores

After completing the test, review your scores on the compassion fatigue and burnout subscales. High scores indicate a higher likelihood of compassion fatigue or burnout. Understanding these scores can help raise awareness about your professional quality of life and balance between work and personal well-being.

Step 4: Reflect and take action

If you have high scores, it’s important to take action to address these issues. Seek support from other caregivers, utilize available resources, and develop self-care strategies to restore your energy and reduce feelings of hopelessness.

Regularly use the Compassion Fatigue Test template to help you maintain a healthy balance and improve your quality of life over time.

How mental health professionals benefit from this test

Mental health professionals can derive significant benefits from utilizing the Compassion Fatigue Test in their practice.

Early detection

Using the Compassion Fatigue Test allows mental health professionals to identify early signs of compassion fatigue and burnout in themselves. Early detection enables timely intervention and the implementation of preventive strategies to maintain their well-being.

Tailored treatment planning

By assessing their compassion fatigue levels, mental health professionals can tailor treatment plans for their clients more effectively. Understanding their own emotional and mental states helps them maintain empathy and avoid compassion fatigue, ensuring they can provide optimal care to their clients.

Professional growth and development

Mental health professionals can reflect on their scores, identify areas for improvement, and engage in self-care practices that enhance their resilience and job satisfaction. This proactive approach fosters a healthier work-life balance and supports long-term career longevity in the field of mental health care.

Reference

Figley, C. R. (Ed.). (1995). Compassion fatigue: Coping with secondary traumatic stress disorder in those who treat the traumatized. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1995-97891-000

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Commonly asked questions

The Compassion Fatigue Self Test is an assessment tool used to measure the risk of compassion fatigue and burnout among caregivers and healthcare professionals.

Signs of compassion fatigue include emotional exhaustion, reduced empathy towards patients, and feelings of hopelessness or irritability.

There is no singular cure for compassion fatigue, but effective treatments include self-care practices, seeking support from peers and supervisors, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.