Urban Early Childhood Providers' Experiences of Compassion Fatigue: A Phenomenological Study

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 9:45 am - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Workforce Experiences in Early Care and Education

Abstract

ECE professionals working in inner cities provide emotional and social support to children grappling with traumatic events. Constant exposure to students' traumatic experiences can lead to secondary traumatic stress (STS) among ECE providers, sometimes referred to as "compassion fatigue. We employed phenomenological research methodologies to examine the lived experiences of ECE providers dealing with the complexities of their students’ trauma and resulting compassion fatigue. The qualitative data was collected through open-ended interviews. Domestic violence, substance abuse, sudden loss of a parent were among the traumatic events the providers witnessed. Providers often felt helpless due to lack of resources and clear guidelines. They relied on their spirituality, seeking emotional support from their close community of family and friends.

Authors

• Jale Aldemir, Coppin State University

• Anita Weisburger, Coppin State University

• Nicole Anthony, Coppin State University