Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Educational Sciences,Literature and Humanities, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
2 Professor of Philosophy of Education and Faculty Member of Educational Sciences Department, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
3 Assistant Professor of Philosophy of Education and Faculty Member of Educational Sciences Department, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.
Abstract
Background: The teachers of children with autism, despite the numerous physical and mental challenges these children face, choose to approach their work with compassion. However, this compassionate approach also presents them with various challenges. This study aimed to explore the effects of compassion on teachers of children with autism.
Method: The study involved 15 participants, including principals, teachers, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and mother’s helpers of children with autism in centers affiliated with Kerman’s welfare and education organizations. A purposive sampling method was used, and in-depth semi-structured interviews, field notes, and document reviews were employed for data collection. Data collection continued until data saturation was achieved. The collected data were analyzed using the conventional content analysis method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman (2004).
Results: The study results were categorized into two central themes: desperation from the influx of challenges and personal growth amidst adversity.
The central theme of desperation from the influx of challenges comprised five main themes: negative mental reflections, a sense of living in a situation with physical limitations, negative job consequences, self-depreciation, and inappropriate adaptation. On the other hand, the central theme of personal growth amidst adversity included two main themes: improving capabilities and growing spirituality.
Conclusion: The journey of education, with its ups and downs, has left many teachers feeling helpless and experiencing compassion fatigue. However, a few teachers have managed to gain a different perspective that has helped them overcome these challenges and find ways to cope with compassion fatigue.
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