Getting it right: an exploration of compulsive caregiving and helping profession syndrome

Abstract

This thesis is a theoretical exploration of the concepts of 'compulsive caregiving' and 'helping profession syndrome' in relation to the choice of nursing as a career. These concepts are derived from Bowlby's attachment theory and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Both have evolved from psychoanalytic theory. The thesis explains Bowlby's development of compulsive caregiving and Malan's use of the phrase helping profession syndrome to describe compulsive caregiving in health professionals. My life history and my experience as a nurse educator and as a nurse practising psychotherapy support this theoretical exploration. An argument is developed that the propensity towards compulsive caregiving is a strength in nurses. Nursing places high value on caring and many of the traits exhibited by compulsive caregivers are desirable in nurses. Nursing as a caring interpersonal process is explored with reference to the literature. However, nursing has been identified as a stressful career and appropriate support is required to 'hold' nurses adequately in this stressful occupation. Support strategies such as professional supervision and reflective practice are discussed. The thesis concludes with a suggestion for further research on compulsive caregiving and helping profession syndrome.