The Relationship Between Family Functioning and Compassion Levels of BSN Students

Introduction: Compassion is an essential quality in Nursing, enhancing patient care, emotional well-being, and nurse-patient relationships. With increasing academic and clinical demands, it is important to understand what influences compassion among student nurses. Family functioning, which includes emotional support, communication, and adaptability, may play a role, although limited studies have examined its direct impact. Objectives: This study examined the relationship between family functioning and compassion levels among Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students. It sought to determine the family functioning and compassion levels, assess their differences across sex, year level, and type of educational institution, and evaluate their correlation. Methods: A quantitative descriptive-correlational cross-sectional design was utilized. Using stratified random sampling, 584 student nurses from two universities in Benguet were selected. Data were gathered from February to March 2025 using two standardized tools: the Family APGAR and the Compassion Scale. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, T-tests, one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD, and Pearson’s Correlation. Results: Most students reported a high level of family functioning (Mean APGAR = 7.44). Significant differences were observed across year levels and educational institutions, but not by sex. Compassion levels were similarly high, with females demonstrating significantly higher scores. A weak yet significant positive correlation between family functioning and compassion levels was established, suggesting that stronger family support may enhance compassionate behaviors. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the influence of family functioning on the development of compassion in student nurses, highlighting the importance of supportive family environments in fostering emotional and professional growth. Future studies should consider longitudinal and mixed-method designs, broaden participant diversity, and examine additional factors such as mental health, socioeconomic status, caregiving experiences, and academic stress