Self-Compassion in Women After Breast Cancer Surgery: A Concept Analysis Based on Walker and Avant’s Method
Abstract
Background: Self-compassion is an important concept for women facing breast cancer, yet there is limited research on changes in self-compassion during the postoperative phase. This concept analysis aims to explore the nuances of self-compassion in women recovering from breast cancer surgery, enhancing our understanding of their emotional journeys and informing future clinical practices to support their well-being.
Methods: This concept analysis utilizes a concept analysis method to investigate the attributes, antecedents, and consequences of self-compassion in women following breast cancer surgery. The Google Scholar and Summon search engines were used to access relevant articles supporting this analysis, which were gathered from PubMed and MEDLINE databases, encompassing journals from both nursing and non-nursing fields. The analysis is based on Walker and Avant’s method, which entails identifying a concept, reviewing its prior applications, defining its attributes, cases, antecedents, and consequences, and establishing empirical referents.
Results: This concept analysis highlights the importance of self-compassion among women who have undergone breast cancer surgery. It suggests that self-compassion positively impacts their physical and mental well-being post-surgery, reducing stress and promoting overall quality of life. This emphasizes the need to include self-compassion practices in the psychological support provided during post-operative care.
Conclusion: This concept analysis identified its attributes, antecedents, consequences, and cases of the analyzed concept. This paper may guide healthcare providers and institutions to develop standards and strategies to assess and enhance self-compassion and promote well-being in the study population.
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