Self-compassion Predicts Higher Affective Well-being and Lower Stress Symptoms Through Less Dysfunctional Coping

A Three-wave Longitudinal Study During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Bibliographic Data

ID21704473
AuthorsEva Asselmann (0000-0002-2132-8852, corresponding author), Antonia Bendau (0000-0002-3789-6205), Cosma F A Hoffmann (0000-0002-9123-0260, Universität Greifswald), Cosma Hoffmann, Christina Ewert (0000-0002-2811-0020, University of Potsdam)
Year2024
Volume25
Issue5
Publication date2024-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Happiness Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1389-4978 • E-ISSN: 1573-7780
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s10902-024-00755-6
OpenAlexW4399172021
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited28

This study examined whether self-compassion at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic predicted higher subjective well-being and lower psychopathological symptoms through more functional and less dysfunctional coping. Among 430 adults, self-compassion, coping, life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, and depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms were assessed longitudinally over 6 weeks (from 04/2020 to 07/2020). Structural equation modeling revealed that self-compassion at T1 predicted more functional and less dysfunctional coping at T2 (controlling for coping at T1) and more positive and less negative affect and lower stress symptoms at T3 (controlling for these measures at T1). More functional and less dysfunctional coping at T2 (controlling for coping at T1) predicted higher subjective well-being and lower psychopathological symptoms at T3 (controlling for these measures at T1), with the sole exception that functional coping was not significantly associated with anxiety symptoms. In addition, we found that less dysfunctional coping mediated (a) nearly one-third (30.77%) of the association between higher self-compassion and less negative affect and (b) nearly half (46.15%) of the association between higher self-compassion and lower stress symptoms. These findings support the idea that a self-compassionate attitude prevents dysfunctional thoughts (e.g., self-blame) and behaviors (e.g., substance use) during stressful times, which in turn reduces negative affect and symptoms of stress

Anxiety · Dysfunctional family · Mindfulness · Psychiatry · Psychopathology · Self-compassion · Clinical Psychology · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction · Psychology

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