The relationship between self-compassion and acute stress disorder in mothers whose babies were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit

Mothers of babies admitted to neonatal intensive care units experience stressful life situations. These experiences can lead to mental conditions such as acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. Self-compassion can shape and empower people as they struggle through difficult situations. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-compassion and acute stress disorder in mothers whose babies were hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit. The study sample consisted of 372 mothers. Data were collected using an Information Form, The Severity of Acute Stress Symptoms Scale and The Self-Compassion Scale. There was a negative weak statistically significant relationship between the total Self-Compassion Scale score of the mothers and the total score of Severity of Acute Stress Symptoms Scale (p < 0.05). The self-compassion should consider as a protective factor during challenging life events. Nurses should teach self-compassion skills to parents and identify factors that influence self compassion skill use.