Moderating effect of self-compassion in the association of automatic thoughts and rumination with burnout among nursing students

Self-compassion, which is effective in reducing burnout, may be important for aid workers because it could potentially weaken the connection of automatic thoughts and rumination with burnout. However, the effect of self-compassion in the association of automatic thoughts and rumination with burnout among nursing students has not been examined. Therefore, in this study, we examined the moderating effect of self-compassion in the association of automatic thoughts and rumination with burnout. In this longitudinal study, 72 second-year students attending a Japanese nursing college completed a two-wave panel survey. The data were analyzed using correlation analysis and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The results revealed a moderating effect of self-compassion in the relationship between rumination and burnout; however, the moderating effect of self-compassion in the relationship between automatic thoughts and burnout was limited. The results can contribute to the development of an intervention program that cultivates self-compassion and prevents burnout and turnover among nursing students.