The mediating role of emotion regulation in the relationship between self compassion and burnout among psychotherapists

The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of emotion regulation (reappraisal and suppression) in the relationship between self-compassion and burnout among psychotherapists, as well as the effects of demographic variables (age, professional experience, and weekly number of sessions). The study was conducted using a correlational research design. The sample consisted of 339 psychotherapists (291 females, 48 males) actively practicing in Türkiye in 2025, aged between 23 and 70 years. Data were collected online using the Self Compassion Scale–Short Form, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and The Burnout Measure–Short Form. Pearson product moment correlation analysis was performed using SPSS 21, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted through AMOS, and mediation analysis was carried out using Hayes' Process Macro (Model 4). Findings revealed a significant negative relationship between self compassion and burnout. Among emotion regulation strategies, suppression partially mediated the relationship between self compassion and burnout, whereas reappraisal did not show a significant mediating effect. It is suggested that the influence of reappraisal may vary depending on stress level, context, and individual differences. These results indicate that individuals with higher self compassion are more capable of managing negative emotions consciously rather than suppressing them, which in turn reduces burnout. When demographic variables were examined, it was observed that self compassion increased with age; an increase in weekly session frequency was associated with higher self compassion and lower levels of burnout and suppression; and greater professional experience was linked to higher self-compassion and reduced use of the suppression strategy. In this regard, the research contributes to the literature as one of the studies conducted with a psychotherapist sample in Türkiye that examines the relationship between self compassion, burnout, and emotion regulation in an integrative manner.