Self-Compassion and Professional Quality of Life among Emergency Respondents
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v3i2.108Keywords:
Self-compassion, Professional quality of life, Emergency respondents, Occupational Stress, Burn Out, Compassion Fatigue, Mental HealthAbstract
Background: Emergency responders are routinely subjected to high-stress situations that can have significant implications for their mental health and professional quality of life (ProQOL). Self-compassion has been identified as a potential buffer against occupational stressors in these high-risk occupations.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-compassion and ProQOL among emergency responders. It also sought to examine the association of various demographic variables with these constructs.
Methods: A cross-sectional correlational study design was adopted, with a purposive sample of 224 male emergency respondents, aged 18 to 60 years, from emergency rescue services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Instruments included the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL). Data analysis involved correlation, t-tests, and ANOVA to explore relationships between self-compassion, ProQOL, and demographic variables.
Results: Self-compassion positively correlated with compassion satisfaction (r = .36, p < .01) and negatively with burn out (r = -.65, p < .01) and compassion fatigue (r = -.49, p < .01). Age showed a negative correlation with self-compassion (r = -.30, p < .01), while income was positively correlated with compassion satisfaction (r = .18, p < .01). Working hours were positively associated with self-compassion (r = .15, p < .05) and compassion satisfaction (r = .15, p < .05). Marital status and family system significantly impacted self-compassion and burn out, respectively. No significant differences were found concerning work shifts or job nature.
Conclusion: The study reinforces the importance of self-compassion in promoting a healthier ProQOL among emergency responders. Interventions aimed at increasing self-compassion could potentially mitigate adverse outcomes associated with emergency work.
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