Exploring the Link Between Self-Compassion and Self-Care Agency in Women with Chronic Diseases: Application of Orem’s Nursing Theory in Practice

Chronic diseases significantly affect women's physical, psychological, and social well-being. Integrating psychosocial factors such as self-compassion with nursing theory may strengthen holistic approaches to chronic disease management. Guided by Orem's Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory, this study examined the relationship between self-compassion and self-care agency among 261 women with chronic illnesses attending outpatient clinics in Istanbul, Türkiye. Data were collected using a sociodemographic form, the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form, and the Self-Care Agency Scale. Participants' mean self-compassion score was 35.21, and their mean self-care agency score was 126.27. Self-compassion and self-care agency were moderately and positively correlated (r = 0.42, P < .001). Higher education, employment, and adherence to dietary recommendations were associated with higher scores, while adding salt to meals was linked to lower self-care agency. Findings indicate that fostering self-compassion may enhance women's self-care capacity and support holistic nursing practice.