The effect of mindfulness and self-compassion on compassion fatigue among nurses: a cross-sectional study

To examine the relationships between mindfulness, self-compassion, and compassion fatigue, and to determine the predictive roles of mindfulness and self-compassion on compassion fatigue among clinical nurses.

This cross-sectional correlational study included 220 nurses in a public hospital between March and June 2024. Data were collected via Personal Information Form, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form, and Compassion Fatigue Short Scale.

Mean scores were 61.78 ± 11.29 for mindfulness, 39.00 ± 6.87 for self-compassion, and 48.31 ± 20.28 for compassion fatigue. Mindfulness correlated positively with self-compassion (r = 0.33, p < 0.05) and negatively with compassion fatigue (r = -0.34, p < 0.05). Self-compassion was negatively associated with compassion fatigue (r = -0.40, p < 0.05). Multiple regression showed that mindfulness (β = -0.42) and self-compassion (β = -0.96) were significant independent predictors of compassion fatigue, jointly explaining 21.1% of the variance.

Higher mindfulness and self-compassion predict lower compassion fatigue among clinical nurses. These modifiable psychological assets offer robust protection against emotional depletion. Integrating mindfulness and self-compassion into institutional strategies holds potential to optimize nursing well-being.