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

Yıl 2025, Cilt: 22 Sayı: 4, 673 - 687, 04.08.2025

Fatma Kolukırık Erol , Tuba Büyükbeşe

https://doi.org/10.26466/opusjsr.1685796

Öz

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.

Anahtar Kelimeler

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

Sivil Toplum Çalışanlarının Tükenmişlik ve Öz Şefkat Deneyimleri

Öz

Bu araştırmanın amacı, sivil toplum kuruluşlarında çalışan bireylerin tükenmişlik ve öz şefkat deneyimlerini derinlemesine incelemektir. Çalışma Kasım 2024- Aralık 2024 tarihleri arasında gerçekleştirilerek nitel araştırma yöntemiyle yürütülmüştür. Fenomenolojik desenle yürütülen bu çalışmada 10 gönüllü katılımcıyla yüz yüze ve çevrimiçi yolla yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Görüşmeler sonucunda elde edilen veriler, tematik analiz yöntemiyle incelenmiş ve sonucunda 4 ana tema açığa çıkmıştır. Bu temalar; şefkat yorgunluğuna neden olan konular, tükenmişliğin yansıması, öz şefkat ve öz şefkatin görünür yüzü olarak adlandırılmıştır. Sivil toplum çalışanları, yoğun iş yükü, duygusal emek ve kaynak yetersizlikleri nedeniyle tükenmişlik riskiyle karşı karşıyadır. Öz şefkat, bu tür zorlayıcı iş koşullarıyla başa çıkmada önemli bir psikolojik kaynak olarak değerlendirilmektedir. Öte yandan, öz şefkatin bireylerin duygusal yüklerini hafifletmede, stresle başa çıkmada ve psikolojik iyilik hâllerini sürdürmede etkili bir strateji olarak kullanıldığı belirlenmiştir. Elde edilen bulguların, sivil toplum alanında çalışan profesyonellerin iyi oluşunu desteklemeye yönelik bireysel ve kurumsal müdahale programlarının geliştirilmesine katkı sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

şefkat yorgunluğu, tükenmişlik, öz şefkat, sivil toplum kuruluşu, tematik analiz

Kaynakça

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