Diagnostic validation of the 00325 Inadequate Self-Compassion.

Background: Self-compassion is an essential component of self-care. Recognizing it as a nursing diagnosis can promote interventions to address Inadequate Self-Compassion.

Aim: This study aims to clinically validate the new NANDA-I diagnosis (00325) Inadequate Self-Compassion.

Methodology: A mixed-methods study was conducted, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. A descriptive, cross-sectional, and prospective study was planned.

Participants: We used the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) to identify individuals with Inadequate Self-Compassion among nursing students. Subsequently, we conducted a group interview with these individuals, stratified by academic year of the nursing degree.

Results: The group interview followed the structure of the new NANDA-I diagnosis, with diagnostic items serving as variables for analyzing qualitative data. The study revealed that nursing students commonly experience Inadequate Self-Compassion. Group interviews with participants who reported low self-compassion validated the diagnostic items of the new Inadequate Self-Compassion diagnosis.

Conclusion: The study validates the new NANDA-I diagnosis of 00325 Inadequate Self-Compassion clinically.

Implications for nursing practice: The present study raises the level of diagnostic evidence from level 2.1. Conceptual validity to level 2.3.1a. Qualitative validity, increasing the strength of the evidence for diagnostic validity.