Compassion Fatigue in Student Affairs Practitioners Working with Undocumented College Students

Abstract

Given the nature of student affairs work, practitioners may be exposed to work-related stress that impacts their professional and personal well-being. In this phenomenological study, we examined the lived experiences of 9 professionals who worked with undocumented students and how they experienced and managed their compassion fatigue. Findings indicate that the predisposition to advocate and support along with expectations were prevalent triggers to compassion stress. Implications for professionals, their supervisors and institutions are discussed.