MINDFULNESS AS A SHIELD: INVESTIGATING ITS ROLE IN REDUCING COMPASSION FATIGUE AMONG UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS

Abstract

Background: Compassion fatigue is a prevalent psychological condition among healthcare professionals, particularly in nursing students exposed to emotionally demanding clinical environments. Mindfulness, defined as a non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, has emerged as a protective factor that may alleviate compassion fatigue by enhancing emotional regulation and resilience. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between mindfulness and compassion fatigue among undergraduate nursing students in selected colleges in Swat, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed between March and May 2025 across various nursing colleges. A sample of 285 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students was drawn from a population of 1,100 using Raosoft's sample size calculator. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique, excluding those undergoing psychiatric treatment or receiving formal mindfulness training. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire consisting of demographic information, the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and the Professional Quality of Life Scale (PQOL, Version 5). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, applying descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation. Results: The study found a significant negative correlation between mindfulness and compassion fatigue (r = -0.46, p < 0.001), indicating that students with higher mindfulness scores reported lower compassion fatigue levels. Additionally, higher mindfulness was positively associated with compassion satisfaction. Conclusion: Mindfulness appears to be a protective factor against compassion fatigue in nursing students. Introducing mindfulness-based practices in nursing education may improve psychological well-being and support compassionate care.