Research Article

Burnout and Self-Compassion Experiences of Non-Governmental Organization Employees

Volume: 22 Number: 4 August 4, 2025
TR EN

Burnout and Self-Compassion Experiences of Non-Governmental Organization Employees

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore in-depth the experiences of burnout and self-compassion among individuals working in non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The study was conducted between November 2024 and December 2024 using a qualitative research method. A phenomenological design was employed, and semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face and online with 10 volunteer participants. The data obtained from these interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis, resulting in the identification of four main themes. These themes are: the factors leading to compassion fatigue, the manifestation of burnout, self-compassion, and the visible aspect of self-compassion. NGO workers are at risk of burnout due to heavy workloads, emotional labor, and resource shortages. Self-compassion is considered an important psychological resource in coping with such challenging work conditions. Furthermore, it was identified as an effective strategy for alleviating emotional burdens, managing stress, and maintaining psychological well-being. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of individual and organizational intervention programs aimed at supporting the well-being of professionals working in the NGOs.

Keywords

Compassion fatigue , burnout , self-compassion , non-governmental organizations , thematic analysis

References

  1. Abdollahi, A., Taheri, A., & Allen, K. A. (2020). Self‐compassion moderates the perceived stress and self‐care behaviors link in women with breast cancer. Psycho‐oncology, 29(5), 927–933.
  2. Abdollahi, J., Irani, A. J., & Nouri-Moghaddam, B. (2021). Modeling and forecasting Spread of COVID-19 epidemic in Iran until Sep 22, 2021, based on deep learning. arXiv preprint arXiv:2103.08178.
  3. Akıncı, S. (2014). Sivil toplum, sivil toplum kuruluşları ve sivil toplum kuramcıları. Gümüşhane Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Elektronik Dergisi, 5(11), 192–216.
  4. Akyüz, A. A. (2010). Civic agency at work: Sense making and labour process of professionals in issue based non-governmental organizations in Turkey (Doctoral dissertation, İstanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi).
  5. Ardahan, F. (2010). Sivil toplum kuruluşlarının etkin yönetimi için stratejik işbirliği ve Türkiye Eğitim Gönüllüleri Vakfı (TEGV) Suna-İnan Kıraç Antalya Eğitim Parkı örneği. Uluslararası İnsan Bilimleri Dergisi, 7(2), 210–233.
  6. Arı, G. S., & Erdoğan, I. (2022). Sosyal hizmet çalışanlarında tükenmişlik ve iş doyumu: Örgütsel faktörlerin etkisi. Türkiye Sosyal Hizmet Araştırmaları Dergisi, 6(1), 50–65.
  7. Atkinson, D., Rodman, J., Thuras, P., Shiroma, P. R., & Lim, K. O. (2017). Examining burnout, depression, and self-compassion in Veterans Affairs mental health staff. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
  8. Bedük, A., Usta, S., & Kocaoğlu, M. (2006). Avrupa Birliği’ne giriş sürecinde Türkiye’de sivil toplum kuruluşları ve demokratikleşme sürecindeki misyonları. Selçuk Üniversitesi Karaman İİBF Dergisi, 10, 1–17.
  9. Begin, M., Gilbert-Ouimet, M., & Truchon, M. (2024). Compassion-based interventions in the workplace: Effects on burnout and wellbeing. Occupational Health Psychology Review, 7(1), 22–37.
  10. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
APA
Kolukırık Erol, F., & Büyükbeşe, T. (2025). Burnout and Self-Compassion Experiences of Non-Governmental Organization Employees. OPUS Journal of Society Research, 22(4), 673-687. https://doi.org/10.26466/opusjsr.1685796