Abstract
This study examined levels of, and relationships between, self-care ability, self-compassion, and compassion among palliative care nurses and doctors.
Methods: A total of 369 participants across Australia completed a cross-sectional survey comprising a demographic questionnaire and outcome measures for each variable. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analysed, controlling for potential social-desirability bias.
Results: Levels of compassion, self-compassion and self-care ability varied, with some individuals scoring high or low in each. Self-compassion and self-care ability were positively correlated (r = .412, p <·001), whereas a negative correlation was observed between compassion and self-compassion (r = -.122, p <· 05). Linear regression further indicated that: increased compassion was associated with a decrease in self-compassion, and increased self-care ability was associated with an increase in self-compassion.
Conclusion: These results suggest important implications for self-care in the palliative care workforce. Moreover, this study contributes an empirical basis to inform future research and education to promote balanced compassion and compassion literacy in palliative care practice.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 4-11 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | International Journal of Palliative Nursing |
| Volume | 24 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2 Jan 2018 |
| Externally published | Yes |