Flow of compassion in self, for others, and from others in the shadows of infertility: a descriptive qualitative study
Current Psychology, cilt.45, sa.19, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 45 Sayı: 19
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s12144-026-10000-3
- Dergi Adı: Current Psychology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, BIOSIS, Psycinfo, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Business Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Compassion flow, Giving compassion, Infertility, Receiving compassion, Self-compassion
- Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Studies to date examining the compassion experiences of infertile women have largely focused on self-compassion. Existing literature indicates that self-compassion is an important coping strategy and that women with higher levels of self-compassion are more attentive to their health. This study aims to understand the compassion processes of infertile women by focusing on the flow of compassion—namely giving, receiving, and self-compassion—using a descriptive qualitative research design, in contrast to existing studies that predominantly focus on self-compassion. The sixteen women sampled from two private in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers in Türkiye. Data were collected through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews lasting 40–50 min. Thematic analysis, following Clarke and Braun’s six-step process, was used. Participants reported low self-compassion due to feelings of guilt and infertility-related stress, while partner support enhanced self-compassion and coping. Compassionate communication from social and healthcare environments was crucial, as inappropriate expressions of sympathy were perceived as pity. Participants described challenges in maintaining compassion flow, including compassion fatigue, which affected relationships and emotional resilience. Experiencing compassion was associated with reduced stress, improved coping, and stronger relational closeness. Compassionate care from partners and healthcare professionals influenced participants’ motivation for infertility treatments, whereas lack of compassion led to emotional exhaustion. The study indicates that being in the flow of giving, receiving, and self-compassion is central to infertile women’s psychological well-being, coping, relational resilience, and motivation during the treatment process. The findings showed low self-compassion, high compassion needs, and that imbalances contribute to fatigue, anxiety, and poorer psychosocial outcomes. This highlights the need for healthcare professionals to integrate flow of compassion-based approaches into infertility care.