J Korean Acad Nurs Adm.  2021 Sep;27(4):259-269. 10.11111/jkana.2021.27.4.259.

Influence of Emotional Intelligence and Professional Self-concept on Compassion Competence in Psychiatric Nurses

• Im HS
• Jun WH

• KMID: 2526009
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11111/jkana.2021.27.4.259

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of emotional intelligence, and professional self-concept on compassion competence in psychiatric nurses.
Methods
Participants were 180 psychiatric nurses working on psychiatric wards in university hospitals and psychiatry specialized hospitals. Data analysis was performed using stepwise multiple regression with SPSS/Win 24.0.
Results
Compassion competence significantly differed by age (F=3.31, p=.021), marital status (F=4.12,p=.017), educational background (F=5.46, p=.005), clinical career (F=6.26, p=.002), type of duty (t=-3.01, p=.003), salary (F=3.48, p=.033), current position (F=4.66, p=.011), qualification (t=-2.23, p=.023), compassion education experience (t=3.32, p=.001) and workplace (t=-2.46, p=.015). The compassion competence of psychiatric nurses was positively correlated with professional self-concept (r=.57, p<.001) and emotional intelligence (r=.63, p<.001). The significant predictors of compassion competence were self-emotion appraisal (β=.30, p<.001), professional practice (β=.21, p=.007), use of emotion (β=.19, p=.020), clinical career (β=.18, p=.003), workplace (β=.15, p=.010), communication (β=.12, p=.034) and compassion education experience (β=.11, p=.044). The explanatory power of these factors was 48% of the variance.
Conclusion
In order to enhance the compassion competence of psychiatric nurses, it is important to improve emotional intelligence and strengthen professional self-concept. Political efforts of organizations supporting compassionate nursing practice are also necessary.

Keyword

Psychiatric nurses; Emotional intelligence; Professional self-concept; Compassion competence