Threshold Effects of Empathy on Self‐Compassion in Dental Hygiene Students: A Segmented Regression Analysis

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: Empathy is a crucial component in healthcare, contributing to improved patient outcomes. However, excessive empathy may lead to emotional exhaustion and reduced self-compassion. This study examined the relationship between empathy and self-compassion among dental hygiene students. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 520 dental hygiene students from four schools in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Empathy was assessed using the Japanese version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE), while self-compassion was measured using the Japanese version of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). Additional data on academic year and self-rated health status were collected. Segmented regression analysis was performed to examine a potential nonlinear relationship between JSE and SCS scores. RESULTS: A total of 454 respondents were included in the final analysis. No significant correlation was found between JSE and SCS scores (r = 0.016, p = 0.739). However, segmented regression identified a breakpoint at JSE = 121.0 (95% CI: 119.2-122.8). Below this threshold, no significant association was observed, but above it, JSE was significantly negatively associated with SCS (β = -0.875, p < 0.01), suggesting that excessive empathy may reduce self-compassion. Additionally, students with higher perceived health status had greater self-compassion, while third-year students scored higher in empathy than lower-year students. CONCLUSION: This study revealed an online a relationship between empathy and self-compassion, with self-compassion significantly declining in students with exceptionally high empathy levels. Additionally, self-compassion was positively associated with perceived health status, while third-year students exhibited higher empathy scores.