PREDICTIVE ROLE OF REFLECTIVE FUNCTIONING IN FEARS OF COMPASSION AMONG PAKISTANI NURSES

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the predictive role of reflective functioning in fears of compassion among Pakistani nurses. It was hypothesized that reflective functioning would have a significant negative relationship with fears of compassion and would significantly predict fears of compassion among nurses. A correlational research design was used for the study. Convenience sampling technique was employed to collect data from nurses working in different healthcare settings. The sample consisted of Pakistani nurses (N = 96), including male (n = 38) and female (n = 58) participants. The Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ; Fonagy et al., 2016) and the Fears of Compassion Scale (FOCS; Gilbert et al., 2011) were used to assess study variables. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics, Pearson product moment correlation, regression analysis, independent sample t-tests, and one-way ANOVA were conducted to examine the relationships and demographic differences among variables. The findings revealed a significant negative relationship between reflective functioning and fears of compassion. Regression analysis further indicated that reflective functioning significantly predicted fears of compassion among Pakistani nurses. The study has important implications for understanding the psychological factors associated with emotional well-being and compassionate care among nurses. The findings may help mental health professionals and healthcare institutions develop reflective and compassion-focused interventions to improve nurses’ emotional resilience and professional functioning.