Abstract
Aim
This research investigated the perceptions of Saudi nursing students regarding self‐compassion and examined its influence on their caring behaviour and compassion competence.
Design
This is a quantitative and cross‐sectional study.
Methods
This multiuniversity study surveyed a convenience sample of 961 nursing using the Self‐compassion Scale, Compassion Competence Scale and Caring Behavior Inventory‐16 version. Standard multiple analysis was performed separately for caring behaviour and compassion competence as dependent variables. For both models, the self‐compassion dimensions and the demographic variables were considered predictor variables.
Results
The students reported their self‐compassion moderately, with mindfulness receiving the highest mean and self‐judgment receiving the lowest mean. Significant differences were observed on self‐compassion of students between universities. Caring behaviour and compassion competence were also rated moderately by the students. “Self‐kindness” and “common humanity” were identified as significant predictors of caring behaviour, whereas “self‐kindness,” “self‐judgment,” “common humanity” and “mindfulness” were significant predictors of compassion competence.