Professional Quality of Life and Self-Compassion Among Dental Hygienists

Abstract

Purpose Health care professionals are often faced with stressful situations, demanding physical work, and unique pressures impacting patient care and personal health and wellness. The purpose of this study was to assess perceived levels of self-compassion and their relationship with professional quality of life in clinical dental hygienists.

Methods A cross-sectional survey of clinical dental hygienists (n=345) was conducted using a non-probability sample recruited via social media. Data collection used two validated instruments: Professional Quality of Life-21 with 2 sub-scales (compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue) and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) with 6 sub-scales (self-kindness, self-judgment, common humanity, isolation, mindfulness, over-identification). Descriptive statistics, correlations, and regression modeling were used for data analysis.

Results The completion rate was 48.4% (n=167). The SCS total mean score (M=2.85), compassion satisfaction (CS; 37.86) and compassion fatigue (CF; 25.62) mean scores were all in the moderate range. Regression models included SCS sub-scales and demographics with statistically significant correlations to CS and CF. In the regression model for CS, the SCS sub-scales of self-kindness (β=2.10, t(.225) = 2.078, p=.039) and mindfulness (β=2.50, t(.250) = 2.312, p=.022) emerged as predictors. The model explained 18.9% of variance in CS (R² = .199, adjusted R² = .189, F(2,164) = 20.35, p<.001). In the regression model for CF, the SCS sub-scales self-judgment (β=−.33, t(162)=−3.53, p<.001) and isolation (β=−.215, t(162) = −2.282, p=.024) along with the average number of hours worked per week providing patient care (β=.147, t(162) = 2.217, p=.028) were predictors. The model explained 28.4% of the variance in CF (R²=.297, adjusted R²=.284, F(3,162)=22.84, p<.001).

Conclusion Dental hygienists self-reported moderate self-compassion, CS and CF. Improvement in self-compassion and CS may prevent CF which reduces the risk of burnout. Strategies might include personal (e.g., positive self-talk and self-care) and workplace (e.g., employee wellness resources) approaches.