Mental Health, Self-Compassion, and Compassion Fatigue in Physicians: a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The mental health of physicians has been neglected for a long time. This study investigated the association between Mental Health, Self-Compassion, and Compassion Fatigue in physicians. This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted among 315 physicians. In the study, a Sociodemographic Data Form, Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form, Compassion Fatigue Scale-Short Form, and Patient Health Questionnaire-4 were applied to the participants. 58.7% of the participants are between 25 and 35 years old and 51.4% are female. The mean scores of SC-SF and CF-SF were 33.2 (SD = 8.49) and 61.8 (SD = 26.2), respectively. The physicians had poor mental health, with 36.8% reporting anxiety and 41.9% reporting depression. A negative and moderate-level significant relationship was found between SC-SF and CF-SF (R = − 0.596, p < 0.001). Physicians should receive expert support and regular training on specific topics such as awareness-based self-compassion methods, recognizing and managing psychiatric symptoms, and coping with compassion fatigue and stress. The positive mental health of physicians, who hold a leading position in healthcare services, will have a favourable impact on the health system and public health. © The Author(s) 2025.