Self-compassion and psychological well-being of radiographers at work

ABSTRACT

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess how self-compassion affects the psychological well-being of radiographers at work.

Methods

An online survey was sent to radiology and radiotherapy departments in Rhône-Alpes, a region of France (from October 2021 to February 2022). The study is mixed: quantitative data, with closed questions and two validated scales, and qualitative data, with open questions aimed at assessing perceptions among radiologists as regards self-compassion.

Results

A total of 253 radiographers (mean age 32.9 years), took part in this survey. Radiographers reported a poor level of well-being and a moderate level of self-compassion. We found a link between well-being at work and self-compassion. Gender, age, number of years of experience and the desire to receive training on well-being appear to have an impact on the level of self-compassion. The perception of self-compassion by radiologists is essentially positive.

Conclusion

Particular attention should be paid to radiologists who are female, young, and with only a few years of experience. Self-compassion is a protective factor for radiologists and may help them take care of themselves to continue caring for others. Training related to self-compassion should be promoted in medical imaging departments.

KEYWORDS:

• Self-compassion
• well-being
• caregiver
• radiographer
• mixed study

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2023.2287621.

Additional information

Funding

This work was not supported by any funding.

Notes on contributors

Leïla Jacquet

Leïla Jacquet is Radiographer. She completed her final dissertation in medical imaging on self-compassion among radiographers. His interests are centered on the welfare of caregivers. She wants to use the results of this study within her department by developing a program centered on self-compassion to improve the quality of life of caregivers in her department.

Marine Paucsik

Marine Paucsik is Psychologist and McF at University of Savoy and Associate Researcher at LIP/PC2S. She has developed an expertise in self-compassion over the years. She is the author of several books and numerous articles on the subject.

Jean-Baptiste Guy

Jean-Baptiste Guy is Radiotherapist and Oncologist at Centre Marie Curie. He takes a major interest in the well-being of his employees and participates in the development of actions within his center in favor of the well-being of the healthcare teams.

Karine Eve

Karine Eve is Radiographer and head teacher at Institut Supérieur Technologique Monplaisir. She supports studies addressing the well-being of future caregivers.

Isabelle Ben-Taarit

Isabelle Ben-Taarit is Radiologist at Hôpital Privé Drôme Ardèche. Invested within her teams, she develops projects to improve the well-being of caregivers.

Sophie Lantheaume

Sophie Lantheaume in a Psychologist, Supportive Care team Manager, Clinical research, oncology coordinator, at Ramsay Santé Hôpital Privé Drôme Ardèche and Associate Researcher at LIP/PC2S University of Grenoble Alpes. She is the author of several books and her work focuses on improving the quality of life of caregivers and patients.