Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 24, 2026
Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
Compassion fatigue impacted by traumatic birth and psychological resilience among midwives in mainland China: an
1Guangzhou Medical University, No.1 Xinzao Road, Xinzao Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, China.
Background:
Compassion fatigue (CF) among midwives threatens both their well-being and the quality of maternal care. This study examined how traumatic birth exposure, psychological resilience, and work-family factors influence CF among midwives in mainland China.
Methods:
An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed. Phase 1 involved a cross-sectional survey of 227 midwives from eight public hospitals in Guangzhou, using the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL) and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression identified predictors of CF. Phase 2 included 15 in-depth interviews to contextualize quantitative findings, with data analyzed thematically.
Results:
Nearly all participants (98.7%) reported some degree of CF, with over half experiencing moderate or higher levels. Higher psychological resilience significantly reduced CF severity (OR = 0.888, 95% CI: 0.851-0.926, p < 0.001), while sole childcare responsibility (OR = 4.442, 95% CI: 1.439-13.722, p = 0.010), longer professional experience, extended shifts, and frequent traumatic birth exposure (≥ 3 events/month) increased CF risk. Moderate traumatic exposure (1-2 events/month) was protective compared to no exposure. Qualitative data revealed mechanisms such as emotional burden, recovery needs, and organizational support.
Conclusions:
CF is prevalent among Chinese midwives and influenced by traumatic birth exposure, resilience, and work-family demands. Interventions should integrate organizational reforms (e.g., shorter shifts, debriefing) with resilience training and peer support to mitigate CF and sustain care quality.
