Psychologists Carly Schrever and Sally Ryan address the issue of empathy-based stress in the legal profession in a recent article published in the Law Institute Journal. They explore how judges and lawyers can be vulnerable to this type of stress, which encompasses secondary traumatic stress, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout.
The article highlights the impact of empathy-based stress on mental health and work satisfaction, emphasising the need for effective management and prevention.
The authors delve into the causes of empathy-based stress, including exposure to traumatic content and empathic engagement. They underscore the importance of implementing strategies at both the individual and organisational levels to mitigate this stress. The article suggests practices such as boundary-setting, self-awareness, and risk management to address empathy-based stress.
Recognising the shared responsibility of individuals and legal workplaces, the article emphasises the significance of maintaining the well-being of legal professionals.
“I’m sure I suffer from vicarious trauma, cumulative trauma . . . You hear and see things that most members of the community wouldn’t. I go to a school function and I think how many kids here have been sexually abused or I wonder how many are getting bashed up at home . . . Dads shouldn’t think like that.” - Judicial officer
To read the full article titled "How to manage the downside of compassion" by Carly Schrever and Sally Ryan, originally published in the June edition of the Law Institute Journal, click the link below.
Credit: We extend our sincere appreciation to the authors and the Law Institute Journal for granting us permission to share this insightful piece on our website.