A Literature Review of Self-Compassion Training for Nurses

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to obtain suggestions on the development of a self-compassion training program for nurses.

Methods: We used CINAHL and MEDLINE to identify overseas intervention studies, abstract of which contained the terms “self-compassion” and “nurse.” In addition, Igaku Chuo Zasshi and Google were used to identify intervention studies in Japan containing the term “self-compassion” in the abstract section.

Results: Five overseas and eight domestic articles were identified. The overseas articles included three articles dealing with studies on programs called Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities (SCHC), which do not involve meditation. The nurse participation rate increased as SCHC training hours were short. Short programs used the following methods to improve self-compassion as effective as long programs: Assigning no take-home work to consolidate learned knowledge; implementation of work at the time of trouble; reflection among trainees; and follow-up after completion of the training program. Meanwhile, program contents varied from a domestic article to another and domestic studies most commonly involved meditation.

Discussion: Short programs are practical for nurses who have difficulty finding time for training. Program structures without meditation, during which participants often become sleepy, appear useful for busy nurses.