A study of the relationship between Compassion Fatigue, Somatization and Silencing response among hospital nurses: Focusing on the mediating effects of Silencing response

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify Compassion Fatigue (CF), Somatization, and Silencing Response (SR) among nurses and understand intermediate effects between the variables. Methods: The sample of 240 nurses who were working three shifts in medical and surgical wards, and emergency room were recruited in three hospitals with over 700 beds. A structured questionnaire was used which included CF, Somatization and SR scales. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression. Results: There were statistically significant differences in CF, Somatization and SR depending on perceived personal health condition, experience of turnover, co-worker support. There were significant correlations between those study variables. The result also indicated that burnout (ß=.81, p<.001) which is a part of Secondary Traumatic Stress and Somatization (ß=.79, p<.001) have the role of partial mediator in the relationship between Secondary Traumatic Stress and Silencing response. Conclusion: The results of study show that an intermediary role by Burnout and Somatization in Silencing response of nurses is important for effective human resource management in hospital nursing staffs. Effective human resource management which includes mentoring and social support system can enhance the professional quality of life of nurses, which will eventually contribute to the quality of care by those care providers and counselors.