--- title: "PPRNet Clinical summary: Self-Compassion as a Protective Factor Against Burnout in Psychologists" description: The director of the Psychotherapy Practice Research Network (PPRNet) is Dr. Giorgio Tasca. Dr. Tasca is an Associate Professor with the School of Psychology, in the Faculty of Social, University of Ottawa. His research focus is on psychotherapy process, mechanisms of change, and outcomes, as well as eating disorders. image: https://collabzium.com/hubfs/chub_backup/therapy-2.png --- [![FAC_SOCIAL_SCIENCE_HEADER_BAR](https://collabzium.com/hubfs/FAC_SOCIAL_SCIENCE_HEADER_BAR.svg "FAC_SOCIAL_SCIENCE_HEADER_BAR")](https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-social-sciences/) [![Collabzium](https://collabzium.com/hubfs/CollabziumLogoEnglish(Name)-COLOUR.svg "Collabzium")](https://collabzium.com/) - Articles - [Collabzium Guide](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/author/collabzium-guide) - [All articles](https://collabzium.com/en/articles) - Research - [Chairs and Labs](https://collabzium.com/en/chair-and-labs) - [About](https://collabzium.com/collabcrew) [Subscribe](https://20500402.hubspotpagebuilder.com/subscribe-now) [Subscribe](https://20500402.hubspotpagebuilder.com/subscribe-now) [PPRNET](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/tag/pprnet) # PPRNet Clinical summary: Self-Compassion as a Protective Factor Against Burnout in Psychologists [Dr. Giorgio Tasca](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/author/dr-giorgio-tasca) calendar icon Jul 01, 2026 · Reading time 2 min read [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://collabzium.com/en/articles/pprnet-clinical-summary-self-compassion-as-a-protective-factor-against-burnout-in-psychologists&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://collabzium.com/en/articles/pprnet-clinical-summary-self-compassion-as-a-protective-factor-against-burnout-in-psychologists&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://collabzium.com/en/articles/pprnet-clinical-summary-self-compassion-as-a-protective-factor-against-burnout-in-psychologists&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://collabzium.com/en/articles/pprnet-clinical-summary-self-compassion-as-a-protective-factor-against-burnout-in-psychologists&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email) In many parts of the world, psychologists make up a large proportion of mental health professionals. Although the work of psychologists and psychotherapists can be rewarding, it can also be emotionally demanding. These demands, along with heavy, complex caseloads and administrative tasks, can affect practitioners’ mental health and the quality of the care that they provide. Long-term exposure to these demands and stressors might lead to [burnout](https://trk.cp20.com/click/gs5t-31c5hw-gwr87w-l89bayk6/), characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished personal accomplishment. Burnout can develop from ongoing, unresolved stress that one’s personal resources cannot manage. The demands can also come from personal ideals, including internal pressures and self-imposed standards, leading to unrealistic expectations and harsh self-criticism. Fear of making mistakes and self-criticism are linked to [perfectionism](https://trk.cp20.com/click/gs5t-31c5hw-gwr87x-l89bayk7/), and perfectionistic tendencies are common among psychologists and other mental health professionals. Hence, perfectionism in mental health professionals could lead to burnout. One protective factor might be [self-compassion](https://trk.cp20.com/click/gs5t-31c5hw-gwr87y-l89bayk8/) - the capacity to respond to personal difficulties with kindness, a sense of shared humanity, and mindfulness. In this study, Hassmen and Huynh surveyed 148 Australian psychologists who provided mental health care and asked them to report on their level of burnout, perfectionism, and self-compassion. Of the participants, 27% met criteria for burnout. Self-compassion was negatively associated with burnout (β = –.25, p = .01), and perfectionistic concerns were positively associated with burnout (β = .21, p = .03). In a mediation analysis, the authors assessed whether self-compassion mediated, or partially accounted for, the association between perfectionism and burnout. There was a significant indirect effect of self-compassion (95% CI \[–9.73, –.95\]), meaning that lower self-compassion partially explains why perfectionism can lead to burnout in this sample of mental health professionals. Practice Implications  Self-compassion may buffer the effects of perfectionism on burnout in mental health professionals. Greater kindness, mindfulness, and a sense of shared humanity may support adaptive coping and emotion regulation. While self-compassion did not eliminate the effects of perfectionistic self-criticism, self-compassion appeared to lessen them. Those drawn to the work of mental health professionals may have perfectionistic tendencies to begin with, and the training may amplify these tendencies. Interventions that emphasize mindful self-compassion and psychoeducation may help practitioners to respond more adaptively to professional and personal stressors. Professionals may benefit from engaging in reflective practice and consulting colleagues to re-evaluate professional mistakes or imperfections as opportunities for learning rather than indicators of personal failures.   > Hassmén, P., & Huynh, C. (2026). Self-compassion as a protective factor against burnout in psychologists. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice. Advance online publication. [https://dx.doi.org/10.1037/pro0000681](https://trk.cp20.com/click/gs5t-31c5hw-gwr87z-l89bayk9/)  calendar icon Jul 01, 2026 · Reading time 2 min read [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://collabzium.com/en/articles/pprnet-clinical-summary-self-compassion-as-a-protective-factor-against-burnout-in-psychologists&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://collabzium.com/en/articles/pprnet-clinical-summary-self-compassion-as-a-protective-factor-against-burnout-in-psychologists&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://collabzium.com/en/articles/pprnet-clinical-summary-self-compassion-as-a-protective-factor-against-burnout-in-psychologists&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://collabzium.com/en/articles/pprnet-clinical-summary-self-compassion-as-a-protective-factor-against-burnout-in-psychologists&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email) --- ### [By Dr. Giorgio Tasca](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/author/dr-giorgio-tasca) The director of the Psychotherapy Practice Research Network (PPRNet) is Dr. Giorgio Tasca. Dr. Tasca is an Associate Professor with the School of Psychology, in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ottawa. His research is centered around psychotherapy process, mechanisms of change, and outcomes, as well as eating disorders. ## Also Read - [PPRNet Clinical summary: Long-Term Effects of Psychotherapies for Depression](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/pprnet-clinical-summary-long-term-effects-of-psychotherapies-for-depression) - [PPRNet Clinical summary: Self-Compassion as a Protective Factor Against Burnout in Psychologists](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/pprnet-clinical-summary-self-compassion-as-a-protective-factor-against-burnout-in-psychologists) - [PPRNet Clinical summary: The Therapeutic Alliance in Internet-Based Interventions](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/pprnet-clinical-summary-1.-the-therapeutic-alliance-in-internet-based-interventions) - [PPRNet Clinical summary: What Do Individuals With Borderline Personalities Want From Treatment?](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/pprnet-clinical-summary-what-do-individuals-with-borderline-personalities-want-from-treatment) #### RELATED NEWS ![PPRNet Clinical summary: Psychotherapists Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic](https://collabzium.com/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock-1206150255-1.jpg?width=600&name=iStock-1206150255-1.jpg) [PPRNET](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/tag/pprnet) ## [PPRNet Clinical summary: Psychotherapists Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/clinical-summary-which-patients-benefit-most-from-being-matched-to-a-therapist-0-3-1-0-1-2-0-0-0-1-1-1) The public health restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic are over, and it is time now to... Jan 09, 2025Reading time 2 min read ![Clinical summary: Do More Experienced Therapists Have Better Patient Outcomes?](https://collabzium.com/hs-fs/hubfs/George%20Tasca-2.jpg?width=600&name=George%20Tasca-2.jpg) [PPRNET](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/tag/pprnet) ## [Clinical summary: Do More Experienced Therapists Have Better Patient Outcomes?](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/clinical-summary-which-patients-benefit-most-from-being-matched-to-a-therapist-0-3-1-0-1-2-0) There is a lot of evidence that some therapists are more effective than others, and this [difference...](https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2021-81510-009?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=2&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8jFCTxnAbgfWLNOwDLAUvN2oxn6dDupp5pJDN2j_ygLu2L_Ti-r7Hjf0AiDYHKTfvgYMyLVOhHlMreaw4HkmJQubTEkQ&_hsmi=2) Sep 30, 2024Reading time 2 min read ![PPRNet Clinical summary: Therapists’ Professional Self-Doubt](https://collabzium.com/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock-1206150255-1.jpg?width=600&name=iStock-1206150255-1.jpg) [PPRNET](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/tag/pprnet) ## [PPRNet Clinical summary: Therapists’ Professional Self-Doubt](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/pprnet-clinical-summary-therapists-professional-self-doubt) About 6% of patient outcomes can be attributed to [therapist factors](https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2021-81510-009?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=2&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_tjqzkXhzyzZRlo56a3fM2ElMke0vbfkdleTk6CHUV0TU2UE8JY0gk5Z_b1N904Re01sgLBfTnJsNEXmyEwiow6BG9yw&_hsmi=2) (their self-concept, coping... Aug 06, 2025Reading time 2 min read ![PPRNet Clinical summary: Therapist Emotional Responses Are Associated with Patient Experiences](https://collabzium.com/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock-1206150255-1.jpg?width=600&name=iStock-1206150255-1.jpg) [PPRNET](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/tag/pprnet) ## [PPRNet Clinical summary: Therapist Emotional Responses Are Associated with Patient Experiences](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/clinical-summary-which-patients-benefit-most-from-being-matched-to-a-therapist-0-3-1-0-1-2-0-0-0-1-1-2-1-0-0-0) There is substantial [research](https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000193?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=2&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_uSpglBQ0LTLO6kaT1PByZfpWhdgVyEFa47f1B-24z-btTEFxaf8g7h_coJC8Opr--qT7pum-Zfhl1AigTbj2G_4FmmQ&_hsmi=2) showing that the person of the therapist is critical to helpful... Apr 02, 2025Reading time 2 min read ![Collabzium Logo in White](https://collabzium.com/hubfs/Brand%20Images/Brand%20-%20Faculty%20of%20Social%20Sciences/CollabziumLogoEnglish(Icon)-WHITE.svg)   ##### CONTACT 120 University Ottawa ON K1N 6N5, Canada [Contact Us](mailto:collabz@uottawa.ca) ##### [AI CONTENT CREATION POLICY](https://collabzium.com/ai-artificial-intelligence-content-creation-policy-for-collabzium) ##### ##### SUBSCRIBE TO COLLABZIUM Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to the Collabzium email list for updates, news, and more! [SUBSCRIBE](https://20500402.hubspotpagebuilder.com/subscribe-now) --- © 2026 COLLABZIUM [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/collabzium/) [Follow us on Facebook](https://youtube.com/@Collabzium) ↑