Compassion for others, self-compassion, quality of life and mental well-being measures and their association with compassion fatigue and burnout in student midwives : a quantitative survey

Beaumont, EA ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8259-5858, Durkin, M, Hollins-Martin, CJ and Carson, J 2016, 'Compassion for others, self-compassion, quality of life and mental well-being measures and their association with compassion fatigue and burnout in student midwives : a quantitative survey' , Midwifery, 34 , pp. 239-244.

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Abstract

Background: Compassion fatigue and burnout can impact on the performance of midwives, with this quantitative paper exploring the relationship between self-compassion, compassion fatigue, self-judgement, self-kindness, compassion for others, professional quality of life and well-being of student midwives.
Method: A quantitative survey measured relationships between self-compassion, compassion fatigue, well-being, and burnout using questionnaires: (1) Professional Quality of Life Scale; (2) Self-Compassion Scale; (3) Short Warwick and Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale; (4) Compassion For Others Scale.
Participants: A purposive and convenience sample of student midwives (n=103) studying at university participated in the study.
Results: Just over half of the sample reported above average scores for burnout. The results indicate that student midwives who report higher scores on the self-judgement sub-scale are less compassionate towards both themselves and others, have reduced well-being, and report greater burnout and compassion fatigue. Student midwives who report high on measures of self-compassion and well-being report less compassion fatigue and burnout.
Conclusion: Student midwives may find benefit from ‘being kinder to self’ in times of suffering, which could potentially help them to prepare for the emotional demands of practice and study.
Implications: Developing, creating and cultivating environments that foster compassionate care for self and others may play a significant role in helping midwives face the rigours of education and clinical practice during their degree programme.

Item Type:	Article
Schools:	Schools > School of Health and Society
Journal or Publication Title:	Midwifery
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	0266-6138
Funders:	Non funded research
Depositing User:	Dr Elaine Beaumont
Date Deposited:	15 Dec 2015 14:37
Last Modified:	15 Feb 2022 20:06
URI:	https://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/37527

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