The effect of nurses' compassion on burnout: A cross-sectional study

Perspect Psychiatr Care. 2021 Jan;57(1):371-379. doi: 10.1111/ppc.12607. Epub 2020 Aug 25.

Abstract

Purpose: This study was carried out to determine the effect of nurses' compassion on burnout.

Design and methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 177 nurses. An introductory information form, the compassion scale and the Maslach burnout inventory were used as the data collection tools. Frequency, percentage, t test, analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, correlation, and regression were used in the analysis of the data.

Findings: The majority of the participants were determined to be female, married and university graduates. It was determined that there was a significant negative relationship between the nurses' sense of compassion and burnout levels, and burnout decreased as compassion increased.

Practical implication: Burnout and compassion fatigue may lead to inadequate care for the patient. This situation will negatively influence nurses' care quality.

Keywords: burnout; compassion; nurse.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Burnout, Professional / psychology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Empathy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Male
  • Nurses / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult