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

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