Spiritual Care, Meaning in Life and Inner Harmony: The Parallel Mediation of Compassion for Others and Self-Compassion in Palliative Care Workers.

Abstract

Working in palliative care is recognized as one of the most demanding occupations, characterized by high levels of stress and frequent exposure to those with life-limiting illnesses and perceived as suffering. Investigating psychological factors that could provide support is crucial, particularly given the importance of compassion and self-compassion in promoting professionals' well-being. A cross-sectional study of palliative care workers (N = 232) found that spiritual care had a positive direct effect on compassion for others and self-compassion. Indirect effects showed that compassion and self-compassion were parallel mediators in the relationship of spiritual care with the presence of meaning. However, only self-compassion mediated the association between spiritual care and inner harmony. The findings showed that the attitudes of palliative care workers reflecting kindness, humanity and attentiveness to themselves and others may play a key role in how they experience of meaning in life and inner harmony. The study underscores the potential value of interventions that educate and develop spiritual care and dimensions of compassion within palliative care workers.