Determination of Ontological Well-Being and Self-Compassion Levels in Patients with Mastectomy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background Individuals who undergo mastectomy encounter many psychosocial problems, and individuals need to be evaluated psychosocially during the surgery process. Although the concepts of ontological well-being and self-compassion are new in the literature, they provide important clues for the psychosocial evaluation of individuals. Aim This study was planned to determine the ontological well-being and self-compassion levels of individuals who have had a mastectomy. Methods The study was planned with a descriptive and cross-sectional design and conducted in the general surgery clinic of a training and research hospital. Data were collected face-to-face by reaching 96 individuals who had mastectomy operations. Data were collected using the 'Socio-demographic information form, Self-compassion scale-short form (SCS-SF), and Ontological well-being scale (OWBS)'. Statistical methods were used to evaluate the data. Results When the study findings were examined, a statistically positive but weak relationship was found between the ontological well-being and self-compassion levels of individuals who had a mastectomy (r = 0.363, p < 0.05), and a statistically positive but weak relationship was found between all dimensions of OWBS and SCS-SF (p < 0.05).Conclusion The significant relationship between the ontological well-being and self-compassion levels of individuals who have had a mastectomy and many sociodemographic characteristics reveals that these two psychosocial factors should be evaluated. In addition, the high levels of ontological well-being and self-compassion of individuals and the positive effects of these two concepts on each other are variables that should be considered. Implication for Practice The study results provide insight into the ontological well-being and self-compassion levels of individuals who have had a mastectomy. Nurses can determine patients' coping skills and quality of life by examining how individuals evaluate the past, present, and future within the scope of ontological well-being and the level of compassion they show to themselves while making psychosocial assessments. With these values determined, a comprehensive nursing plan can contribute to individuals' complete state of psychosocial well-being.