The Mediating Role of Compassion in the Relationship Between Nurses' Ethnocultural Empathy and Cultural Sensitivity: Structural Equation Model Analysis.

Abstract

Introduction: Nurses must possess the capacity for compassionate care and exhibit empathy to promote culturally competent care. This research investigated the mediating role of compassion in the relationship between ethnocultural empathy and intercultural sensitivity among nurses.

Method: The study was conducted at a hospital that provides health care services to refugees. In total, 125 nurses were recruited through the simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a personal form and three scales. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS23 and AMOS24.

Results: Nurses' cultural sensitivity positively influenced their compassion competence and ethnocultural empathy. Compassion competence did not function as a full mediator in the relationship between intercultural sensitivity and ethnocultural empathy.

Discussion: This study revealed that exposure to different cultures contributed to compassion competence, ethnocultural empathy, and cultural sensitivity skills in nurses. Cultural competence is a critical component of nursing care; therefore, it should be developed through curriculum revisions and a sensitive and supportive discussion of experiences.