This qualitative study aimed to identify categories within therapeutic self-compassion letters written by healthcare workers. Resulting categories were assessed for their relevance to the construct of self-compassion.

This was a qualitative descriptive study that used summative content analysis and inductive coding.

A US-based academic healthcare system.

Healthcare workers who attended a self-compassion webinar were recruited.

The online self-compassion tool asked participants to write a letter to themselves from the perspective of a friend providing support and encouragement.

116 letters were analysed. Five major categories emerged: Looking Forward, Reaffirming Self, Reaffirming Reminders, Hardships and Self-Disparagement. Respondents’ letters were mostly positively framed and forward thinking, including their hopes of improving themselves and their lives in the future. Negative content generally described hardships and often served to provide self-validation or perspective on obstacles that had been overcome.

The writing prompt elicited content from the writers that reflected the core elements of self-compassion (ie, self-kindness, common humanity, mindfulness). Continued research to further understand, refine and improve the impact of therapeutic letter writing to enhance well-being is warranted to reduce burnout and promote quality patient care.