J Korean Med Sci.  2025 Apr;40(14):e141. 10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e141.

The Impact of Self-Compassion on Enhancing the Professional Quality of Life for Healthcare Workers

• Jung E
• Jung YE

• KMID: 2566826
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e141

Abstract

Emphasizing the importance of psychological experiences in professional roles, this study explored the relationship between self-compassion and professional quality of life (ProQOL) among healthcare workers (HCWs). Sociodemographic characteristics, depressive symptoms, self-compassion, and ProQOL were assessed by conducting an online survey with 371 HCWs on coronavirus disease 2019 dedicated teams. Our findings indicate that self-compassion contributes to a better ProQOL, enhancing compassion satisfaction while reducing burnout and secondary traumatic stress, even when controlling depressive symptoms. These results have important implications fostering self-compassion interventions for a better ProQOL in HCWs.

Keyword

Professional Quality of Life; Healthcare Workers; Depressive Symptoms; Self-Compassion

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