<i>Do Worry, Be Happy</i> : Empathy and Emotion Regulation as Predictors of Professional Quality of Life in Child-Protection Workers

Polarized representations of empathy in child-protection lose sight of its benefits and conceal its pitfalls. Being concerned for clients may not only be a protective factor against compassion fatigue - it could be at the heart of CPWs' compassion satisfaction. Conversely, self-directed reactions to distress may be the root of the harmful consequences empathy is questioned for. Our nuanced approach clarifies what future interventions should target to foster a better professional quality of life in CPWs. Beyond individual capabilities, improving CPWs' outcomes should also rely on a culture of support from peers, supervisors and organizations.