A study published in Sustainability looked at a special kind of stress called compassion fatigue, which can happen to teachers who care deeply about their students.
Researchers asked over 1,558 teachers from across China to answer questions using the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL-5), a tool that measures how teachers feel about their jobs. They found that most teachers were experiencing at least some level of compassion fatigue.
The study also found that teachers who have taught for more than 20 years, hold senior positions, or only attained an educational level equivalent to an associate’s degree or lower felt more satisfied with their work and less burned out.
Primary school teachers and those with leadership roles at their schools also reported higher levels of job satisfaction.
This research matters because when teachers are emotionally drained, it affects their teaching and their students. Supporting teachers through self-care and awareness of compassion fatigue helps everyone in the classroom do better.
Understanding the Research
Compassion fatigue is like emotional burnout — it happens when someone gives so much care to others that they start to feel overwhelmed or emotionally drained. Because teachers are on the front lines and constantly support students, they are at risk for compassion fatigue.
The goal of this study was to understand how common compassion fatigue is among primary and secondary school teachers. Researchers used an online questionnaire called ProQOL-5, which measures both the positive and negative emotional effects of helping others. It included 30 questions about compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress rated on a 5-point scale.
Teachers from different grade levels, school types, and positions were included. Responses were collected anonymously, and the data were analyzed using a software tool to look for patterns and differences among groups.
The main findings from the study are as follows:
Out of 1,527 teachers surveyed, 48.40% had mild compassion fatigue, 18.99% had moderate compassion fatigue, and 25.34% had severe compassion fatigue. Only 7.27% had no symptoms.
Teachers who have been in the profession longer tend to feel more fulfilled (higher compassion satisfaction, or CS).
Veteran teachers (more than 20 years of experience) were the most likely to enjoy their work and the least likely to feel burned out. (They’ve likely developed coping strategies over time).
Less experienced teachers were more vulnerable to burnout and felt less rewarded or satisfied in their roles. (They might still be adjusting to the demands of teaching.)
Teachers in leadership roles at the school level (such as department heads or coordinators) reported feeling more satisfaction in their work and experienced less burnout than those directly teaching classes or serving as headteachers. (This may be due to having more control.)
Primary school teachers felt more fulfilled by their work (higher compassion satisfaction) and experienced less burnout and secondary traumatic stress compared to teachers in secondary schools.
Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers
This study may be about teachers, but these findings still apply. Supporting teachers starts with understanding their challenges — and when we do, our children benefit most.
Show appreciation regularly
Teachers, especially newer ones, may feel undervalued or emotionally drained. Your words can remind them that their hard work matters.
Here’s an idea: Have your child write a note about something they’ve enjoyed in class. A kind note or even a verbal “thank you” can go a long way!
Teach your child emotional regulation and coping skills at home
This means helping them understand, express, and manage their emotions in healthy ways. It includes things like naming feelings, doing deep breathing, journaling, and problem-solving together.
Children who are regulated can pay attention in class and better engage in learning. This improves classroom relationships. Teachers are also less likely to feel burned out or overwhelmed when kids come to school with basic coping skills.
Help your child understand that teachers are human too
Remind your child that teachers have feelings, make mistakes, and have good and bad days — just like everyone else. You can tell them: “Teachers try their best to help every student, but they can’t always get everything perfect. What matters is that they care.”
The researchers are suggesting that future studies need to dig deeper into what causes compassion fatigue among primary and secondary school teachers. This can help create coping strategies that are made specifically for teachers, instead of using general stress management approaches.
