Professional Quality of Life, Empathy, and Coping Strategies of Young Clinical Psychologists in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Objectives Empathy, coping strategies, and professional quality of life (ProQoL) play a significant role in an individual’s professional life. Several studies have indicated that the unfavorable consequences of compassion and empathy lead to compassion fatigue and burnout. The present study aims to examine the correlation among empathy, coping strategies, and ProQoL, and assess the moderating role of work experience among young clinical psychologists in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods This is a descriptive-correlational survey. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants aged 23-37 years with 1-10 years of work experience. Data was collected using standard questionnaires including the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire, the Brief COPE Inventory, and the ProQoL Scale. Their internal consistency was examined using Cronbach’s alpha. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlational test, categorical regression analysis, and moderation analysis. Results There was a strong correlation between empathy, adaptive coping strategies, and compassion satisfaction. Moderation analysis showed that empathy and years of work experience significantly predicted the ProQoL. Conclusion Clinical psychologists in Lahore need to be educated to stimulate and further use problem-focused and adaptive coping skills to cope with their challenging jobs.