The role of self-compassion in physical and psychological well-being

J Psychol. 2013 Jul-Aug;147(4):311-23. doi: 10.1080/00223980.2012.693138.

Abstract

The relation of self-compassion to physical and psychological well-being was investigated among 182 college students. The self-compassion scale was delineated into three composites, following the proposition by Neff that self-compassion consists of three main components: self-judgment versus self-kindness (SJ-SK), a sense of isolation versus common humanity (I-CH), and over-identification versus mindfulness (OI-M). Findings support the association between self-compassion and psychological and physical well-being, but the composites demonstrate different influences. SJ-SK and I-CH were predictive of both depressive symptomatology and physical well-being, and SJ-SK and OI-M were predictive of managing life stressors. The results of this study support and expand prior research on self-compassion.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Depression / psychology
  • Empathy / physiology*
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychological Tests / standards*
  • Psychometrics / instrumentation
  • Self Concept*
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Young Adult