Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Practice Exam

Which statement accurately describes Compassion Fatigue?

1. Increased emotional resilience over time

2. Feeling overwhelmed by others' trauma

3. Ignoring the needs of others

4. Improved occupational engagement

The correct answer is: Feeling overwhelmed by others' trauma

Compassion fatigue is a concept that refers to the emotional and physical exhaustion resulting from prolonged exposure to the traumatic experiences of others. When someone works in a caregiving or supportive role, such as a peer support specialist, they may deeply empathize with the struggles and suffering of those they help. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed by the weight of other people's trauma, which is precisely what option B describes. When individuals experience compassion fatigue, they often begin to feel less empathy, more stress or anxiety about their work, and can even suppress their emotional responses as a coping mechanism. This condition may interfere with their ability to provide care effectively and can lead to emotional withdrawal or burnout, making it crucial for professionals in supportive roles to practice self-care and seek support for themselves. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of compassion fatigue. Increased emotional resilience, ignoring the needs of others, and improved occupational engagement do not reflect the emotional and psychological toll that compassion fatigue entails. Instead, they suggest positive or neutral outcomes, which are not aligned with the experience of compassion fatigue.