Research Article

An Investigation into the Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Life Satisfaction Among Intensive Care Nurses

Volume: 12 Number: 1 February 27, 2026
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An Investigation into the Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Life Satisfaction Among Intensive Care Nurses

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-compassion and life satisfaction among intensive care nurses and to evaluate the effects of sociodemographic and professional factors on these variables. A descriptive and cross-sectional design was adopted. The study was conducted with a sample of 108 intensive care nurses working in nine ICUs at a Training and Research Hospital. Data were collected using the Self-Compassion Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and a Sociodemographic Questionnaire. Participants reported moderate levels of both self-compassion (mean = 2.68 ± 0.37) and life satisfaction (mean = 13.23 ± 4.06). A significant positive correlation was found between total self-compassion and life satisfaction (r = 0.261, p = 0.006). Among the subdimensions, self-kindness and mindfulness showed the strongest positive associations with life satisfaction, whereas self-judgment, isolation, and over-identification were negatively correlated. Significant differences in self-compassion scores were observed based on educational level and working pattern (p < 0.05). Self-compassion appears to be an important psychological resource that positively contributes to life satisfaction among intensive care nurses. Enhancing self-compassion through individual or institutional interventions may improve nurses' psychological well-being and overall quality of life.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

No funding or support in this study not used.

Ethical Statement

Ethics Committee permission to conduct the study was obtained from SANKO University Non-Interventional Research Ethics Committee (Date 06.03.2023/No: 2023/02-02).

Thanks

We would like to thank all our intensive care nurses who participated in our work.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Mental Health Services

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

February 27, 2026

Submission Date

November 18, 2025

Acceptance Date

February 9, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 12 Number: 1

APA
Polat Olca, S., Şahin Tokatlıoğlu, T., & Eroğlu, Z. (2026). An Investigation into the Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Life Satisfaction Among Intensive Care Nurses. Aydın Sağlık Dergisi, 12(1), 11-25. https://izlik.org/JA76WY86BY
AMA
1.Polat Olca S, Şahin Tokatlıoğlu T, Eroğlu Z. An Investigation into the Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Life Satisfaction Among Intensive Care Nurses. Aydın Health. 2026;12(1):11-25. https://izlik.org/JA76WY86BY
Chicago
Polat Olca, Sibel, Tuğba Şahin Tokatlıoğlu, and Zeynep Eroğlu. 2026. “An Investigation into the Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Life Satisfaction Among Intensive Care Nurses”. Aydın Sağlık Dergisi 12 (1): 11-25. https://izlik.org/JA76WY86BY.
EndNote
Polat Olca S, Şahin Tokatlıoğlu T, Eroğlu Z (February 1, 2026) An Investigation into the Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Life Satisfaction Among Intensive Care Nurses. Aydın Sağlık Dergisi 12 1 11–25.
IEEE
[1]S. Polat Olca, T. Şahin Tokatlıoğlu, and Z. Eroğlu, “An Investigation into the Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Life Satisfaction Among Intensive Care Nurses”, Aydın Health, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 11–25, Feb. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA76WY86BY
ISNAD
Polat Olca, Sibel - Şahin Tokatlıoğlu, Tuğba - Eroğlu, Zeynep. “An Investigation into the Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Life Satisfaction Among Intensive Care Nurses”. Aydın Sağlık Dergisi 12/1 (February 1, 2026): 11-25. https://izlik.org/JA76WY86BY.
JAMA
1.Polat Olca S, Şahin Tokatlıoğlu T, Eroğlu Z. An Investigation into the Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Life Satisfaction Among Intensive Care Nurses. Aydın Health. 2026;12:11–25.
MLA
Polat Olca, Sibel, et al. “An Investigation into the Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Life Satisfaction Among Intensive Care Nurses”. Aydın Sağlık Dergisi, vol. 12, no. 1, Feb. 2026, pp. 11-25, https://izlik.org/JA76WY86BY.
Vancouver
1.Sibel Polat Olca, Tuğba Şahin Tokatlıoğlu, Zeynep Eroğlu. An Investigation into the Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Life Satisfaction Among Intensive Care Nurses. Aydın Health [Internet]. 2026 Feb. 1;12(1):11-25. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA76WY86BY

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