Mental health, self-compassion, and compassion fatigue in physicians: a cross-sectional study

Abstract The mental health of physicians has been neglected for a long time. This study investigated the association between Mental Health, Self-Compassion, and Compassion Fatigue in physicians. This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted among 315 physicians. In the study, a Sociodemographi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Selin Balki Tekin, Ayinzeliha Matsar Ay, Ayşe Nur İnci Kenar
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-05-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-03628-x
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Summary:Abstract The mental health of physicians has been neglected for a long time. This study investigated the association between Mental Health, Self-Compassion, and Compassion Fatigue in physicians. This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted among 315 physicians. In the study, a Sociodemographic Data Form, Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form, Compassion Fatigue Scale-Short Form, and Patient Health Questionnaire-4 were applied to the participants. 58.7% of the participants are between 25 and 35 years old and 51.4% are female. The mean scores of SC-SF and CF-SF were 33.2 (SD = 8.49) and 61.8 (SD = 26.2), respectively. The physicians had poor mental health, with 36.8% reporting anxiety and 41.9% reporting depression. A negative and moderate-level significant relationship was found between SC-SF and CF-SF (R = − 0.596, p < 0.001). Physicians should receive expert support and regular training on specific topics such as awareness-based self-compassion methods, recognizing and managing psychiatric symptoms, and coping with compassion fatigue and stress. The positive mental health of physicians, who hold a leading position in healthcare services, will have a favourable impact on the health system and public health.
ISSN:2045-2322