Examining predictors of compassion fatigue among Iranian nurses: the role of personality traits and socio-emotional support.

BACKGROUND

Compassion is a core element of helping professions, particularly nursing; however, prolonged exposure to emotional demands can lead to compassion fatigue, negatively impacting performance and care quality. This study aimed to predict the role of personality traits and socio-emotional support in compassion fatigue among nurses at Al-Zahra Hospital in Isfahan, Iran.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was used to examine the predictors of compassion fatigue among nurses. The study sample consisted of 270 registered nurses employed at three public hospitals in Isfahan, Iran. A stratified sampling method was employed to ensure proportional representation from various hospital wards, including emergency, intensive care, and general units. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that included demographics, the ProQOL for compassion fatigue, the NEO Personality Inventory, and the Socio-Emotional Support Scale (SESS). All statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Stepwise multiple linear regression identified predictors of compassion fatigue, and hierarchical regression tested interaction effects.

RESULTS

A stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that extraversion (β = 0.531, p < .001), openness to experience (β = - 0.552, p < .001), neuroticism (β = 0.405, p < .001), and socio-emotional support (β = - 0.145, p = .011) significantly predicted compassion fatigue. Together, these variables explained 41.6% of the variance (R² = .416, F(4, 265) = 47.26, p < .001). A hierarchical regression further showed significant interaction effects: Neuroticism × Socio-emotional Support (β = 0.182, p = .004) and Openness × Socio-emotional Support (β = - 0.156, p = .015), increasing the total variance explained to 44.2% (R² = .442, F(6, 263) = 34.72, p < .001). These findings suggest that personality traits and socio-emotional support, including their interactions, play a significant role in predicting compassion fatigue among nurses.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant portion of compassion fatigue among nurses was predicted by personality traits and socio-emotional support. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, such as psychological screening and support programs, tailored to individual risk profiles. Future qualitative research is recommended to explore nurses' experiences with compassion fatigue in clinical settings.