The relationship between self-compassion and anger levels of among nursing students

Aim: In recent years, self-compassion has become a prominent topic in nursing education, necessitating further research to understand it better.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted among 344 nursing students enrolled at a state university. Data were collected using the Self-Compassion Scale–Short Form and the State–Trait Anger Expression Inventory. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses to determine the relationship between self-compassion and types of anger.

Results: The findings indicated that all types of anger together explained 27.7% of the variance in self-compassion among nursing students (R²= 0.277). A one-unit increase in controlled anger was associated with a 0.398-unit increase in self-compassion (β= 0.398. t= 5.282), whereas a one-unit increase in suppressed anger led to a 0.478-unit decrease in self-compassion (β= −0.478. t= −0.589). Similarly, a one-unit increase in total anger resulted in a 0.199-unit decrease in self-compassion (β= −0.199. t= −2.440).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that fostering self-compassion may contribute to improved anger management among nursing students. Integrating self-compassion practices into nursing education could support students’ emotional regulation and professional development.