Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Turnover Intention Among Early Career Nurses in Japan1

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between self-compassion and turnover intention among early career nurses in Japan, as well as the mediating effects of nursing job stress, burnout, and work engagement. A total of 326 nurses, with over 5 years of experience, participated in a web-based survey. Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the relationship between self-compassion and other factors related to turnover. Self-compassion, job stress, burnout, work engagement, and turnover intention were assessed using the Japanese Burnout Scale, Nursing Job Stressor Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Self-Compassion Scale. The model fit indices showed acceptable estimates. Self-compassion was negatively associated with nursing job stress and burnout and positively associated with work engagement. Moreover, conflict with other nursing staff and quantitative work were positively associated with burnout, whereas qualitative work was negatively associated with work engagement. However, nursing role conflict was negatively associated with burnout and positively associated with work engagement. Burnout predicted turnover intention, whereas work engagement did not. Thus, increasing self-compassion may reduce stress among early career nurses and reduce turnover intention.