Self-compassion moderates the perfectionism and depression link in both adolescence and adulthood

Well-Being and Perfectionism: Assessing the Mediational Role of Self-Compassion in Emerging Adults

The study explores how different dimensions of perfectionism influence psychological well-being (PWB) in emerging adults. Literature has deepened the relationships between maladaptive perfectionism (e.g., excessive self-criticism, perceived discrepancy from the standards) and low PWB. Less is known about whether and how adaptive perfectionism (e.g., pursuing personal standards) relates to PWB. Secondly, the study has investigated whether self-compassion (i.e., self-benevolence, seeing personal imperfections as a common condition) may mediate the relationships between adaptive/maladaptive perfectionism and PWB. Participants (N = 217, 18-35 y. o.) completed self-report questionnaires measuring: adaptive/maladaptive perfectionism (Almost Perfect Scale-Revised, APS-R: high standards and order/discrepancy, respectively), PWB, and self-compassion (SCS). Adaptive perfectionism was associated with PWB, particularly a higher presence of purpose in life, environmental mastery, self-acceptance, and personal growth. Conversely, discrepancy resulted in the most robust predictor of low PWB (β = -0.68), followed by high standards with a positive direction (β = 0.23; Rc2 = 0.514, p < 0.001). A strong negative association emerged between discrepancy and SCS (r = -0.67, p < 0.001). A mediation analysis shows that self-compassion has an indirect effect, reducing the strength of the relationship between discrepancy and low PWB. Results suggest focusing on self-compassion as a buffer factor that reduces the negative impact of maladaptive perfectionism on psychological well-being. Implications for education and health psychology are discussed.

A preliminary investigation of the mediating roles of self-compassion and emotion dysregulation in the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive behaviors

INTRODUCTION

Recent research has highlighted an association between maladaptive perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are not well understood. The primary aim of this preliminary study was to investigate whether self-compassion and emotion dysregulation independently mediated this relationship. The secondary aim was to determine whether serial mediation existed between these factors. Whether these relations held for overall obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms, versus distinct dimensions of OCD, was also of interest.

METHOD

Three hundred and ninety-two university students (Mage  = 21.81, SD = 8.01), predominantly female (79.18%), participated in an online questionnaire that included a dimensional measure of OCD. Scales assessing maladaptive perfectionism, self-compassion, emotion dysregulation, and negative emotion states were also included.

RESULTS

Greater maladaptive perfectionism was related to more severe OCD. Emotion dysregulation, but not self-compassion, independently mediated this relationship. A serial mediation relationship was found, in that greater maladaptive perfectionism was associated with lower self-compassion, which was linked to greater emotion dysregulation, and in turn related to more severe OC behaviors. In addition, distinct patterns emerged for separate OC dimensions.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight emotion regulation and self-compassion as potential targets for OCD prevention, especially in individuals with symptoms in the symmetry and unacceptable thoughts dimensions.

Effectiveness of mindful self-compassion therapy on psychopathology symptoms, psychological distress and life expectancy in infertile women treated with in vitro fertilization: a two-arm double-blind parallel randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Infertility is a prominent problem affecting millions of couples worldwide. Recently, there has been a hightened emphasis on elucidating the subtle linkages between infertility treatment leveraging assisted reproductive technology and the complex realm of psychological challenges, as well as efforts in implementation of psychological interventions.The Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program seeks to improve self-compassion, compassion for others, mindfulness, and life satisfaction while reducing depression, anxiety, and stress. In the current study, an MSC intervention was performed on infertile women (IW) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) to assess the effectiveness of this intervention in reducing psychological distress and psychopathological symptoms and enhancing life expectancy.

METHODS

Fifty-seven IW undergoing IVF were randomly allocated to two groups: MSC (n = 29) or treatment as usual (TAU; n = 28). Participants in MSC met once a week for two hours for eight weeks and attended a half-day meditation retreat. The Synder's Hope questionnaire and the Revised 90-Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R) were used as the primary outcome measures. Data were obtained before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and two months post-intervention. Repeated measures of ANCOVA and paired t-tests in all assessment points were used to compare the MSC and the TAU groups in outcomes.

RESULTS

In the MSC group, hopelessness, anger-hostility, anxiety, interpersonal sensitivity difficulties, and depression were significantly reduced compared with the TAU group, and those improvements persisted at the two-month follow-up. Reliable change index revealed that the MSC group's gains were both clinically significant and durable.

CONCLUSIONS

MSC can facilitate higher life satisfaction and mental well-being for IW undergoing IVF by reducing psychological distress, psychopathological symptoms, and hopelessness. These encouraging findings call for more research into the effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapies in addressing psychological problems among IW undergoing IVF.

The relationship between perfectionism and interpersonal sensitivity with self-compassion in university students: the mediation of repetitive negative thinking

Self-compassion is a construct of positive psychology related to personality and cognitive factors. Perfectionism and interpersonal sensitivity are prevalent personality traits among university students and are associated with low self-compassion. Further research is required to comprehend how these mechanisms work in creating self-compassion. Consequently, the current study investigated the direct and indirect relationship between perfectionism and interpersonal sensitivity with self-compassion via repetitive negative thinking. To this end, a sample of 450 students studying in Tehran during the 2022 academic year was selected as the study sample. The results indicated that perfectionism and interpersonal sensitivity demonstrate a negative direct relationship with self-compassion, while perfectionism and interpersonal sensitivity exhibit an indirect relationship with self-compassion via repetitive negative thinking. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the relationship between perfectionism and interpersonal sensitivity with self-compassion is not straightforward and that repetitive negative thinking can mediate this relationship. The results can be used to improve methods for increasing self-compassion and paying attention to personality, and cognitive factors can be an important step toward more effective self-compassion interventions.

The relationship between dysfunctional attitudes, maladaptive perfectionism, metacognition and symptoms of mania and depression in bipolar disorder: The role of self-compassion as a mediating factor

BACKGROUND

Maladaptive cognitions appear to be associated with the severity of mood symptoms in bipolar disorder (BD), but findings are mixed and generally cross-sectional in design.

METHOD

This study (n = 331) explored the associations between maladaptive cognitions and mood symptoms in BD over time (3 months), and the potential mediating effect of self-compassion cross-sectionally. Dysfunctional attitudes, maladaptive perfectionism and maladaptive metacognitions were explored separately with depressive and manic symptoms, and with current mood state in BD.

RESULTS

The results showed maladaptive metacognitions to be the only significant predictor of depression at 3-month follow-up (β = 0.31, p < .001), with no relationship to mania over time. Cross-sectionally, self-compassion partially mediated the relationship between all maladaptive cognitions and depression, with higher dysfunctional cognitions and lower self-compassion predicting increased severity of depressive symptoms. Only the relationship between dysfunctional attitudes and mania was partially mediated by self-compassion, however, the relationship was weak and suggestive that higher self-compassion predicted increased mania.

LIMITATIONS

The study duration limited the possible analysis. Future longitudinal research is needed. Also, the study sample was not representative of the clinical population, making results less generalisable. Additionally, limited significant findings regarding manic symptoms supports the need for further research into active cognitions during this phase of BD.

CONCLUSIONS

Maladaptive metacognitions were predictive of future depression severity, therefore, further exploration of metacognitive therapy for BD should be explored. Furthermore, self-compassion was shown to partially mediate the relationship between negative cognitions and mood, therefore further exploration of compassion-based therapies for BD is needed.

The Influence of Positive and Negative Aspects of Perfectionism on Psychological Distress in Emerging Adulthood: Exploring the Mediating Role of Self-Compassion

Perfectionism constitutes a multidimensional personality trait. According to the diathesis-stress model, perfectionism may predispose individuals to experience increased psychological distress during stressful periods. Since self-compassion is considered as a protective factor within the context of mental health difficulties, the primary objective of this study was to explore the mediating function of self-compassion in the relationship between positive (i.e., high standards and order) and negative (i.e., discrepancy) aspects of perfectionism and psychological distress among Greek emerging adults. The sample consisted of 410 university students (47.6% males and 52.4% females), with a mean age of 20.61 ± 1.88 years. The Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) were used to assess perfectionism, self-compassion, and psychological distress, respectively. The results indicated that self-compassion mediated the association between positive and negative aspects of perfectionism and different dimensions of psychological distress (i.e., somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression). Specifically, discrepancy and increased levels of high standards were related to lower levels of self-compassion, thus leading to greater endorsement of psychological distress. In contrast, order was associated with higher levels of self-compassion, thus leading to lower levels of psychological distress. The findings of the present study highlight that self-compassion is an overall important area to examine in nonclinical populations. These findings have implications for the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in enhancing individuals' self-acceptance and awareness of their perfectionistic tendencies, as well as compassion-focused therapy (CFT) in elevating self-compassion, mindfulness, and overall psychological well-being while reducing psychological distress.

Protocol of a cluster randomised trial of BodyKind: a school-based body image programme for adolescents

BACKGROUND

Poor body image is prevalent among adolescents and associated with several negative outcomes for their physical and psychological health. There is a pressing need to address this growing public health concern, yet there are few evidence-informed universal programmes for older adolescents that address contemporary body image concerns (i.e., social media). BodyKind is a four lesson, school-based, teacher led, universal body image programme that incorporates empirically supported principles of cognitive dissonance, self-compassion, compassion for others and social activism, to support positive body image development. Building on previous pilot trials in the USA, this paper outlines the protocol for a cluster randomised control trial (cRCT) and implementation evaluation of the BodyKind programme which was culturally adapted for the Irish cultural context.

METHODS

We aim to recruit 600 students aged 15-17 years in Transition Year (4th year) across 26 second-level schools in Ireland. Using minimisation, schools will be randomly assigned to receive BodyKind (intervention condition, n=300) or classes as usual (waitlist control, n=300). Teachers in intervention groups will receive training and deliver the programme to students over four weeks, at a rate of one lesson per week. Primary outcomes of body appreciation, body dissatisfaction and psychological wellbeing and secondary outcomes of self-compassion, compassion for others, body ideal internalisation, social justice motives and appearance-based social media use will be assessed at pre-, post- and 2 month follow up. Mediation and moderation analyses will be conducted to identify how and for whom the intervention works best. An implementation evaluation will assess the quality of programme implementation across schools and how this may influence intervention outcomes. Waitlist control schools will receive the programme after the 2-month follow up.

CONCLUSION

This study will be the first to implement a cRCT and an implementation evaluation to assess the impact of this multicomponent school-based body image programme designed to support healthy body image development. If shown to be effective, BodyKind will have the potential to improve adolescent body image and wellbeing and inform efforts to implement sustainable and scalable programmes in schools.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was retrospectively registered on 10/10/2023 on ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06076993 .

Psychometric properties of the Big Three Perfectionism Scale-Short Form (BTPS-SF) among Iranian University students

INTRODUCTION

Perfectionism is a common personality trait, particularly among university students. As awareness of this trait increases, research seeks to update tools for measuring it. The psychometric properties of the three-dimensional perfectionism scale-short form (BTPS-SF) have not been studied in the Iranian population. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of this 16-item scale among Iranian university students.

METHODS

The statistical population for this research included all students in Tehran. From this population, 528 students were selected, and data analysis was performed using SPSS 26 and AMOS 24 software.

RESULTS

The findings showed that the BTPS-SF has acceptable validity and reliability. Furthermore, a positive and significant correlation was found between perfectionism and interpersonal sensitivity, whereas a negative and significant correlation was found between perfectionism and self-compassion.

CONCLUSION

Given the desirable psychometric properties of the Persian version of the BTPS-SF, its use can be recommended to psychology experts in research and clinical evaluation situations.

Understanding the Relationship Between the Multidimensional Perfectionism and Self-Compassion in Adults: The Effect of Age

Literature suggests that perfectionism is associated to self-compassion. However, the multiple relationships between the types of perfectionism (adaptive, maladaptive and non-perfectionists) and the multidimensional construct of self-compassion have not been thoroughly examined. To this end, the present study aimed (a) to examine the relationships between the types of perfectionism and the self-compassion components in an adult sample and (b) to check the effect of age on the relationship between the perfectionistic types and the self-compassion components. Participants were 509 adults aged 18 to 65 years. Self-report questionnaires were used to collect the data. Results indicated that High Standards positively predicted all self-compassion components while Discrepancy positively predicted Self-judgment and Isolation and overidentification and negatively predicted Self-Kindness and mindfulness and Common humanity. In addition, it was found that adaptive perfectionists and non-perfectionists reported higher levels on the positive components of self-compassion and lower levels on its negative components, compared to maladaptive perfectionists. With respect to age, participants in established (30-45 years) and middle (46-65 years) adulthood reported higher levels on the positive self-compassion components and lower levels on its negative components compared to young adults (18-29 years), while participants in emerging adulthood scored higher on both the dimensions of perfectionism (adaptive and maladaptive) compared to participants in established and middle adulthood. Finally, age moderated only the relationship between adaptive perfectionism and Isolation and overidentification. Future directions and implications are being discussed.

Examining the Relationship Between Maladaptive Perfectionism and Social Anxiety: The Mediating Role of Self-Compassion

Previous studies have indicated a relationship between perfectionism and social anxiety symptoms, but the mechanisms between these concepts are not well-defined yet. This study focused on the mediator role of self-compassion in the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and social anxiety symptoms controlling self-esteem. It is hypothesized that maladaptive perfectionism would be related to lower levels of self-compassion and lower levels of self-compassion related to greater social anxiety symptoms controlling self-esteem. The sample consisted of 389 university students who completed a battery of instruments, including measures of The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), The Big Three Perfectionism Scale (BTPS), The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Simple mediation analyses with bootstrapping demonstrated that self-compassion has a significant mediator role in the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and social anxiety when self-esteem is not included in the model. However, results also revealed that the indirect effect of self-compassion is no longer significant when self-esteem is included in the model as a covariate. Findings suggest that self-compassion has no mediator role independent from self-esteem in the context of perfectionism and social anxiety.

Moderating Role of Self-Compassion in the Relationships Between the Three Forms of Perfectionism with Anger, Aggression, and Hostility

The prevalence of aggression in adolescents is on the rise, and it could be a serious public health concern. Studies have found positive relationships between perfectionism with anger, aggression, and hostility. However, the moderating role of self-compassion in the links between perfectionism with anger, aggression, and hostility has not been studied. To better understand the relationships between the three forms of perfectionism with anger, aggression, and hostility, this study aimed to explore the moderating role of self-compassion. Participants were 380 undergraduates selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique from three universities in Iran. Participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale, the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, and the Aggression Questionnaire Scale. The results from structural equation modelling analysis showed that other-oriented perfectionism and socially prescribed perfectionism positively predicted anger, aggression, and hostility. The results showed that self-oriented perfectionism significantly and positively predicted anger and hostility; but there were no observed statistically significant relationships of self-oriented perfectionism with verbal aggression and physical aggression. The findings showed that self-compassion played a moderating role in the relationships between other-oriented perfectionism and socially prescribed perfectionism with anger, aggression, and hostility; however, it did not play a moderating effect on self-oriented perfectionism with anger, aggression, and hostility. The findings provide a deeper understanding of the moderating role of self-compassion in the links between other-oriented perfectionism and socially prescribed perfectionism with anger, aggression, and hostility among undergraduates. The findings of this study could be applicable for psychologists and counselors who deal with aggressive behavior, anger, and hostility in undergraduate students to assess the three forms of perfectionism and self-compassion.

Associations between perfectionism and symptoms of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression in young people: a meta-analysis

Perfectionism is a transdiagnostic process contributing to the onset and maintenance of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the association between perfectionism, and symptoms of anxiety, OCD and depression among young people aged 6-24 years. A systematic literature search retrieved a total of 4,927 articles, with 121 studies included (Mpooled age = ~17.70 years). Perfectionistic concerns demonstrated significant moderate pooled correlations with symptoms of anxiety (r = .37-.41), OCD (r = .42), and depression (r = .40). Perfectionistic strivings demonstrated significant, small correlations with symptoms of anxiety (r = .05) and OCD (r = .19). The findings highlight the substantial link between perfectionistic concerns and psychopathology in young people, and to a smaller extent perfectionistic strivings, anxiety, and OCD. The results indicate the importance of further research on early intervention for perfectionism to improve youth mental health.

The Almost Perfect Scale in medical students: factor analysis, measurement invariance, and profile analysis

Incoming medical students at a private midwestern medical school are routinely surveyed at the time of matriculation on wellness measures, one of which is the Almost Perfect Scale - Revised (APS-R). An 8-item subset of this 23-item scale has been suggested as an alternative perfectionism measure, called the Short Almost Perfect Scale (SAPS). To confirm the within-network and between-network construct validity of both scales in our population, responses in 592 matriculating medical students from the years 2020-2022 were analyzed using both versions of this scale. Confirmatory factor analysis found the items significantly measured the construct of perfectionism in the SAPS scale, but not the APS-R. The APS-R was not analyzed further. SAPS was analyzed for measurement invariance (MI) and was equivocal for gender at the scalar level; differential item functioning indicated that any MI effect was small. Latent profile analysis was inconclusive in our sample, possibly because our students' scores on the latent variable "standards" were consistently higher than previously reported. We recommend that the SAPS be used rather than the APS in medical students, that gender differences be analyzed with caution, and that profiles of types of perfectionists not be utilized in this population without further investigation. Finally, we suggest that the discrepancy scale alone may be a better indicator of perfectionism in this population of high achievers.

The Association between Physical Activity, Self-Compassion, and Mental Well-Being after COVID-19: In the Exercise and Self-Esteem Model Revised with Self-Compassion (EXSEM-SC) Perspective

During the great life-altering challenges brought by Coronavirus 2019, school closures and lack of access to exercise and social interactions may have increased students' negative emotions. The current research acts as a follow-up study to the development of the EXSEM-SC, using the Repeated Measures Panel Analysis Framework (RMPAF) to examine the stability of the model in revealing the relationship between physical activity, self-compassion, and mental well-being among Hong Kong adolescents. It is also aimed at examining the changes in physical activity, self-compassion, and mental well-being among Hong Kong adolescents between, before, and after the peak of COVID-19 using the EXSEM-SC Model. The RMPAF has involved 572 (60% Female, Mage = 13.63, SD =1.31) Hong Kong secondary school students. Furthermore, using the abductive qualitative approach, a total of 25 (Mage = 14.84, SD = 1.40) students were involved in the in-depth interviews to further investigate the relationships within the EXSEM-SC. The quantitative results showed that the relationship between physical activity and self-compassion could be demonstrated by the EXSEM-SC, with a satisfactory goodness-of-fit index in the SEMs, as well as satisfying model construct consistency. Moreover, it showed no significant differences in the level of physical activity, self-compassion, and mental well-being during and after the peak of COVID-19. The qualitative results demonstrated two new categories within the EXSEM-SC variables, which are personality traits and injuries experiences. With the stability of the EXSEM-SC model among adolescents, it is expected that the physical activity intervention, which is based on the EXSEM-SC model, could also aim at easing Hong Kong adolescent's mental health issues. In addition, in terms of generating a long-term impact among students, the physical activity and self-compassionate intervention should be promoted among schools. However, the quantitative properties of the two new categories in the qualitative outcomes should be involved in future investigation.

A Conceptual Analysis of Mental Health Maladaptation in Postpartum

Aim: This concept analysis aims to explore how the concept of maladaptation applies to mental health changes among postpartum women. Background: The concept of maladaptation is utilized throughout various disciplines but minimally in women's health, including a limited focus on maladaptive body dissatisfaction and perfectionistic beliefs of women in the postpartum period. Methods: The Walker and Avant eight-phase model was used to guide this analysis. Data Source: A search for maladaptation articles through Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) Complete, ProQuest, and PubMed databases, as well as Google Scholar, was conducted. Results: A review of the literature concerning maladaptation in postpartum mental health resulted in defining two key attributes, including conforming to cultural norms of body image and pressure of perfection. In understanding maladaptation and its attributes, childbirth educators and health-care professionals will be able to better determine more contributing factors for postpartum depression (PPD) and formulate a plan that includes early intervention and support. Conclusion: This concept analysis is intended to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes by understanding mental health maladaptations related to PPD.

Forgiveness and Flourishing: The Mediating and Moderating Role of Self-Compassion

(1) Background: This study investigated the relationships between forgiveness, self-compassion, and flourishing, and examined the mediating and moderating role of self-compassion (self-warmth and self-cold) in the relationship between forgiveness and flourishing. (2) Methods: A sample of 300 Polish participants aged 18-57 (M = 23.53 years, SD = 5.82) completed the Heartland Forgiveness Scale, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Flourishing Scale; we used Spearman's rho correlations to assess the associations between the main analyzed variables and used PROCESS software to calculate moderation and mediation. (3) Results: The obtained data showed that forgiveness and self-compassion were positively related to flourishing. Self-warmth (positive dimension of self-compassion) mediated and moderated the link between forgiveness and flourishing. In contrast, self-coldness (negative dimension of self-compassion) did not mediate or moderate the association between forgiveness and flourishing. (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that positive resources relate to and support one another. Compassionate self-responding is associated with positive resources; in contrast, uncompassionate self-responding is not significant for positive variables.

Dispositional Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Buffer the Effects of COVID-19 Stress on Depression and Anxiety Symptoms

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a dramatic rise in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Dispositional mindfulness (DM) and self-compassion (SC) have consistently been associated with psychological disorder symptoms and appear to buffer the effects of stress on depression and anxiety.

Methods

Across two studies (n = 888), we examined direct and indirect (moderation) relationships of DM, SC, COVID-19-related stress, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. We also examined the differential effects of several DM measures (FFMQ-15; FFMQ-39; MAAS) in the relationships of COVID-19 stress and psychological disorder symptoms. We recruited participants (Study 1 n = 350; 42.2% cis women; Study 2 n = 538; 44.3% cis women) online (MTurk) and examined associations of DM, SC, and COVID-19 stress, and emotional impact, and the moderating effect of DM and SC in the relationships of COVID-19-related fears, stress, emotional impacts, and psychological disorder symptoms.

Results

DM and SC were moderately and negatively correlated with COVID-19 fears and stress (correlations ranging r =  − .14 to r =  − .42) across studies. Study 1 moderation analyses demonstrated SC, but not DM (FFMQ-15), significantly moderated relationships of COVID-19 fears and emotional impacts with symptoms. Study 2 analyses demonstrated the FFMQ-39, but not the MAAS, significantly moderated relationships of COVID-19 stress and psychological disorder symptoms.

Conclusions

These results support the potential protective roles of DM and SC in disrupting pathological trajectories related to naturally elevated pandemic stress. Results also demonstrate the differential associations of several DM measures with COVID-19 stress. Future research should replicate such findings with more diverse samples and using various measures of self-compassion and risk metrics.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-022-02008-0.

The Role of Self-Compassion Among Adaptive and Maladaptive Perfectionists in University Students

Using the tripartite model of perfectionism that accounts for combined characteristics of the Perfectionistic Strivings and Perfectionistic Concerns dimensions, this study explored the mediating role of self-compassion to explain differences between adaptive and maladaptive perfectionists in four psychological distress domains: depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and academic distress. A sample of 3,112 university students were classified into adaptive, maladaptive, and nonperfectionists. Results of mediation analyses comparing adaptive and maladaptive perfectionists indicated that adaptive perfectionists reported significantly greater self-compassion and lower psychological distress levels in all four areas. Self-compassion significantly mediated the associations between perfectionist groups in all four domains. These findings were largely supported across various ethnic and international student groups in the analyses by subgroups. Furthermore, parallel mediation analyses demonstrated the unique contributions of individual self-compassion subscales as mediators. Implications for clinical practice, training, and future research are discussed.

Mediation of Self-Compassion on Pathways from Stress to Psychopathologies among Japanese Workers

As awareness of mental health increases worldwide, how to improve mental health has begun to be discussed in many countries. Stress is known to cause diverse physical and mental health problems, including psychopathologies. On the other hand, our previous studies identified that self-compassion, kindness and understanding towards oneself are key components for good mental health in many populations, including Japanese workers. The government reports that Japanese workers suffer from high rates of mental health problems. However, the mechanism of how self-compassion helps their mental health remains to be evaluated. Accordingly, this study aimed to elucidate how self-compassion intervenes in pathways from stress to psychopathologies, namely depression and anxiety. One hundred and sixty-five Japanese workers completed an online survey regarding self-compassion, depression, anxiety and stress. Correlation and path analyses were conducted. These four variables were significantly inter-related. While self-compassion mediated the pathway from stress to depression, it did not mediate the pathway from stress to anxiety. These exploratory insights assist in understanding the mechanism of how self-compassion improves mental health and inform effective methods to implement self-compassion interventions to the Japanese workforce.

Gender differences in self-compassion: a latent profile analysis of compassionate and uncompassionate self-relating in a large adolescent sample

Self-compassion, a healthy way of relating to oneself, may promote psychological resilience during adolescence. How adolescents engage with self-compassion, and whether they have distinct self-compassionate or uncompassionate psychological profiles, is unclear. This study investigated potential self-compassion profiles based on responses to the Self-Compassion Scale–Short Form (SCS-SF) and examined their relationship with a range of mental health symptoms and cognitive and emotional tendencies. A large cross-sectional sample of high school students (N = 950; Mage = 13.70 years, SDage = 0.72, range = 12 to 16 years; 434 female and 495 male) completed several online self-report measures including the SCS-SF. Latent profile analysis identified parsimonious self-compassion profiles by gender using the six SCS-SF subscales. Five female profiles included ‘Low Self-Relating’, ‘Uncompassionate’, ‘High Self-Relating’, ‘Moderately Compassionate’ and ‘Highly Compassionate’. Comparatively, two male profiles included ‘Low Self-Relating’ and ‘Moderately Self-Relating’. Low Self-Relating involved low levels of both compassionate and uncompassionate responding, and Moderately Self-Relating involved higher levels of both. Low Self-Relating and Highly Compassionate profiles for females consistently reported lower levels of anxiety and depression symptoms, maladaptive perfectionism, intolerance of uncertainty, repetitive thinking and avoidance-fusion thinking patterns compared to the other female profiles. Low Self-Relating males reported more adaptive outcomes compared to Moderate Self-Relating males. These findings illustrate important adolescent gender differences in compassionate and uncompassionate self-response profiles. Results suggest self-compassion is an important psychological construct with diverse mental health benefits for females, whereas for males a lack of attachment to either response styles are linked with better psychological outcomes.

Are Adolescents With Higher Self-Esteem More Prosocial? Exploring the Moderating Effect of Self-Compassion in Different Genders

Previous studies have revealed a positive relationship between self-esteem and prosocial behavior. Based on social mentality theory, the authors propose that self-compassion as a self-soothing system moderates the relationship in adolescents girls and not in adolescent boys. A total of 540 adolescents from 12 to 14 years old completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Self-Compassion Scale, and Prosocial Tendencies Measure. The results showed that both self-esteem and self-compassion were positively correlated with prosocial behavior, self-compassion moderated the relationship between self-esteem and altruistic or anonymous prosocial behavior, and self-compassion moderated the relationship between self-esteem and dire prosocial behavior and the moderating effect was moderated by gender. In conclusion, the present study indicates that self-esteem and self-compassion, as two important aspects of the self, are beneficial to prosocial behavior in adolescence. Self-compassion strengthens the relationship between self-esteem and specific prosocial behavior, especially for adolescent girls.

A Review of Self-Compassion as an Active Ingredient in the Prevention and Treatment of Anxiety and Depression in Young People

Previous meta-analyses have found higher self-compassion is associated with lower anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of self-compassion as an active ingredient in the treatment and prevention of anxiety and depression in youth. This was conducted through (i) a systematic review of the literature and (ii) qualitative consultation with young people and researchers in self-compassion. Fifty studies met our inclusion criteria. Eight studies evaluated self-compassion interventions among youth aged 14-24, and the remaining studies measured the association between self-compassion and anxiety, and/or depression among this age group. Qualitative interviews were conducted with four self-compassion researchers. Interviews were also conducted in two rounds of consultation with 20 young people (M age = 18.85 years, age range 14-24 years). Higher self-compassion was related to lower symptoms of anxiety, r =  - 0.49, 95% CI (- 0.57, - 0.42), and depression, r =  - 0.50, 95% CI (- 0.53, - 0.47). There was evidence for self-compassion interventions in decreasing anxiety and depression in young people. Consultation with young people indicated they were interested in self-compassion interventions; however, treatment should be available in a range of formats and tailored to address diversity. Self-compassion experts emphasised the importance of decreasing self-criticism as a reason why self-compassion interventions work. The importance of targeting self-criticism is supported by the preferences of young people who said they would be more likely to engage in a treatment reducing self-criticism than increasing self-kindness. Future research is required to add to the emerging evidence for self-compassion interventions decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression in young people.

The Protective Role of Self-Compassion in the Relationship between Perfectionism and Burnout in Portuguese Medicine and Dentistry Students

Recent studies have documented the high prevalence of burnout among medicine and dentistry students, with potentially catastrophic consequences for both students and patients. Both environmental and personality factors play a part in burnout; perfectionism, a common trait in medicine students' personalities, has been linked to psychological distress and increasing students' vulnerability to burnout. Self-compassion, i.e., treating oneself kindly through hardship, has recently emerged as a buffer between perfectionism and psychological distress. While using a novel three-factor conceptualization of perfectionism (BIG3), this study aims to analyze if self-compassion has a protective role in the relationship between perfectionism and burnout, in a sample of medicine and dentistry students, through mediation analysis. We found that self-compassion significantly mediated the relationship between all three forms of perfectionism and burnout: as a partial mediator in self-critical and rigid perfectionism, as well as a full mediator in narcissistic perfectionism. Our findings underline self-compassion's relevance in burnout prevention and management, supporting its use as an intervention target in burnout reduction programs and strategies.

Self-oriented and Socially Prescribed Perfectionism: The Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Eating Disorder Inventory-Perfectionism Scale

Background

Perfectionism is a key construct for understanding psychopathology. In societies with varying cultures, studying the psychometric properties of tools can help with their external validity. This research aimed at standardization and validation of the Eating Disorder Inventory-Perfectionism (EDI-P) scale in Iran.

Methods

The Persian version of EDI-P was formed through forward translation, reconciliation, and back translation. A total of 302 students were selected using convenience sampling method and' they completed a set of questionnaires, including the EDI-P, Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire-Short Form (WEL-SF), Eating Attitude Test-16 (EAT-16), Self-esteem scale (SES), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-16 (DERS-16), and Self-compassion scale (SCS) Short Form. The construct validity of the EDI-P was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis and divergent and convergent validity. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability (2 weeks' interval) were applied to evaluate reliability. LISREL (version 8.8) and SSPS (version 22) software were used for data analysis purpose.

Results

EDI-P scales and subscales were found to be a valid and reliable measure, with good internal consistency and good test-retest reliability in the nonclinical sample. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the whole scale, socially prescribed, and self-oriented were found to be 0.74, 0.68, and 0.67, respectively. Test-retest reliability for the whole scale, socially prescribed, and self-oriented were found to be 0.88, 0.80, and 0.87, respectively. Convergent validity and divergent validity were good (Normed Fit Index [NFI] = 0.94, Incremental Fit Index = 0.95, root mean square error of approximation = 0.08, goodness of fit index = 0.97, Non-normed Fit Index [NNFI] = 0.91, and comparative fit index = 0.95). The results of this study provide support for the two-factor model of EDI-P.

Conclusion

The EDI-P showed good validity and reliability and could be useful in assessing perfectionism in Iranian population. The EDI-P shows notable promise as a measure for use in eating research and clinical settings.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Psychosocial Coping Strategies in Health Sciences Students at the University of Seville: A Pilot Study

The new infection by coronavirus has supposed a challenge to all health systems worldwide, affecting our psychosocial health. Education as we knew it has changed, which is why university students, attending Health Sciences courses in this case, have been affected by the pandemic. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the preventative measures and restrictions associated with COVID-19 on multiple mental health and psychological well-being indicators in Health Sciences students at the University of Seville. A descriptive and cross-sectional pilot study in the University of Seville by means of an online questionnaire elaborated was conducted. Of the final sample (n = 68), more than 60% of the students acknowledged having received specific training by their university and/or health institution where they perform practices on COVID-19 measures; however, they negatively emphasized not having received psychosocial aid or support in most of the cases (94.12%). As the health situation imposed by COVID-19 is considered long-lasting, the proposal is to plan short- and long-term strategies for promotion and intervention in the mental health of students and future health care workers.

Compassionate Leadership: Essential for the Future of Tropical Medicine and Global Health

Compassion-the awareness of suffering coupled with the desire to relieve that suffering-is an evolved human capacity that offers significant benefits for individuals and organizations. While the relief of suffering is central to tropical medicine and global health, compassion is more often assumed than explicit. Global health leaders participating in a compassionate leadership program recently reported that the most common personal barriers to compassionate leadership include inability to regulate workload, perfectionism, and lack of self-compassion; while the most common external challenges include excessive work-related demands, the legacy of colonialism, and the lack of knowledge on how to lead with compassion. These barriers can be surmounted. Within organizations, leaders are the primary shapers of compassionate cultures. Now is the time to bring our core compassionate values to bear in addressing the "unfinished business" of ensuring global health equity and deconstructing colonialist structures in global health and tropical medicine. Compassionate leadership offers us tools to complete this unfinished business.

The mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between positive reactivity, negative reactivity, and perfectionism with disordered eating

BACKGROUND

Individuals with disordered eating are at an increased of having one or more additional risks for comorbid disorders, such as anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and insomnia. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between positive reactivity, negative reactivity, and perfectionism with disordered eating.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study method was descriptive-correlational through structural equation modeling (SEM). The present study population included all students of the University of Tehran in the city of Tehran in 2018-2019. A total of 302 students were selected by convenience sampling method and completed questionnaires on eating attitudes test-8, self-compassion scale (short form), eating disorder inventory-perfectionism scale, and Perth emotional reactivity scale. The SEM path analysis and Pearson correlation coefficient were conducted to analyze the obtained data in SPSS-23 and Lisrel-8.80.

RESULTS

The finding of the path analysis showed that self-compassion acts as a mediating role in the relationship of disordered eating with positive and negative emotional reactivity and perfectionism. Only the direct effect coefficient of general positive reactivity on disordered eating was not significant.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this study, self-compassion can serve as a protective factor against negative emotional reactivity and perfectionism. Therefore, self-compassion can be considered in the development of prevention and treatment programs for disordered eating.

Compassion toward others and self-compassion predict mental and physical well-being: a 5-year longitudinal study of 1090 community-dwelling adults across the lifespan

There is growing interest in the role of compassion in promoting health and well-being, with cross-sectional data showing an inverse correlation with loneliness. This is the first longitudinal study examining both compassion toward others (CTO) and compassion toward self (CTS) as predictors of mental and physical health outcomes including loneliness, across adult lifespan. We followed 552 women and 538 men in San Diego County for up to 7.5 (mean 4.8 and SD 2.2) years, using validated rating scales for CTO, CTS, and loneliness. Linear mixed-effects models were employed to examine age- and sex-related trajectories of CTO and CTS over time. Linear regression models were used to evaluate baseline and longitudinal relationships of CTO and CTS with mental well-being, physical well-being, and loneliness. CTS and CTO were weakly intercorrelated. Women had higher baseline CTO than men. While CTO was stable over time and across the lifespan, CTS scores had an inverse U-shaped relationship with age, peaking around age 77. There were significant baseline × slope interactions of both CTO and CTS predicting improvements in physical well-being in adults <60 years old. Increases in CTO and CTS predicted improvements in mental well-being. Higher baseline CTO and CTS as well as increases in CTO and CTS scores predicted lower loneliness scores at follow-up. Thus, CTO and CTS were associated with better mental well-being and loneliness across the adult lifespan, and physical well-being in younger adults, and are promising targets for interventions to improve health outcomes.

Perceived stress, self-compassion and job burnout in nurses: the moderating role of self-compassion

BACKGROUND

Job burnout is more prevalent among nurses than other medical team members and may have adverse effects on the mental and physical health of both nurses and their patients.

AIMS

To evaluate the associations between job burnout as a dependent variable with perceived stress and self-compassion as independent variables, and test the buffering role of self-compassion in the link between perceived stress and job burnout in nurses.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study with a convenience sampling method. A total of 150 nurses from four hospitals in Tehran, Iran participated in this study and completed three questionnaires, namely the Perceived Stress Scale, the Self-Compassion Scale and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory.

RESULTS

Partial least square-structural equation modelling showed greater levels of perceived stress associated with greater levels of job burnout (β = 0.795, p < 0.001), and greater levels of self-compassion associated with lower levels of job burnout (β = -0.512, p < 0.001) in nurses. The results of the interaction-moderation analysis showed that self-compassion diminished the effect of perceived stress on job burnout in nurses.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study not only showed a significant association between perceived stress and job burnout in nurses, but also increased our understanding about the buffering role of self-compassion in the link between perceived stress and job burnout in nurses.

Is perfectionism always unhealthy? Examining the moderating effects of psychological flexibility and self-compassion

OBJECTIVE

Perfectionism is generally associated with worse mental health outcomes, though evidence suggests elements of it may be helpful. In light of these findings, we examined whether psychological skills like psychological flexibility and self-compassion moderated the relationship between perfectionism and wellbeing (i.e., quality of life, symptom impairment, and psychological distress).

METHODS

Undergraduate students (N = 677) completed self-report measures.

RESULTS

A latent profile analysis identified three perfectionism groups (low, average, and high) based on four perfectionism subscales: concern over mistakes, need for approval, rumination, and striving for excellence. Generally, we found that psychological flexibility and/or self-compassion buffered the impact of average and high perfectionism on quality of life and symptom impairment.

CONCLUSION

Our results support the utility of practicing psychological flexibility and/or self-compassion for people with average and high levels of perfectionism. Limitations include using a cross-sectional design and nonclinical sample.

Effectiveness of self-compassion-related interventions for reducing self-criticism: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Self-criticism is the process of negative self-evaluation. High levels are associated with psychopathology and poorer therapeutic outcomes. Self-compassion interventions were developed to explicitly target self-criticism. The aim of this review was to estimate the overall effect of self-compassion-related interventions on self-criticism outcomes and investigate potential moderating variables. A systematic search of the literature identified 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria. Nineteen papers, involving 1350 participants, had sufficient data to be included in the meta-analysis. Pre- and post-data points were extracted for the compassion and control groups. Study quality was assessed using an adapted version of the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool, which concluded that studies were of moderate quality. Meta-analysis findings indicated that self-compassion-related interventions produce a significant, medium reduction in self-criticism in comparison with control groups (Hedges' g = 0.51, 95% CI [0.33-0.69]). Moderator analysis found greater reductions in self-criticism when self-compassion-related interventions were longer and compared with passive controls rather than active. The remaining moderators of forms of self-criticism, sample type, intervention delivery, intervention setting and risk of bias ratings were insignificant. Overall, the review provides promising evidence of the effectiveness of self-compassion-related interventions for reducing self-criticism. However, results are limited by moderate quality studies with high heterogeneity. Directions for future research indicate that more RCTs with active controls, follow-ups, consistent use and reporting of measures and diverse samples are needed.

Self-critical perfectionism and lower mindfulness and self-compassion predict anxious and depressive symptoms over two years

This study of 124 community adults examined whether perfectionism interacts with mindfulness and self-compassion to predict anxiety and depressive symptoms over two years. Participants completed measures of self-critical (SC) and personal standards (PS) higher-order dimensions of perfectionism at Time 1; mindfulness and self-compassion domains and facets at Time 2 one year later; and general distress (i.e., shared between depression and anxiety), anxious arousal, and anhedonic depressive symptoms at Time 1, Time 2, and Time 3 two years after baseline. In contrast to PS, SC perfectionism was associated with lower mindfulness and self-compassion domains and facets. Hierarchical regression analyses of moderator effects demonstrated that individuals with higher Time 1 SC perfectionism and lower Time 2 domain mindfulness or self-compassion had higher Time 3 general distress symptoms than others, adjusting for the effects of Time 1 and Time 2 symptoms. SC perfectionism also interacted with specific facets of mindfulness (i.e., observing, nonreactivity) and self-compassion (i.e., self-kindness, mindfulness, over-identification) to predict Time 3 general distress and/or anxious arousal symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of fostering mindfulness and self-compassion to reduce vulnerability to anxious and depressive symptoms in individuals with higher SC perfectionism.

The Moderating Role of Hope in the Relationship Between Maladaptive Perfectionism and Anxiety Among Early Adolescents

The aim of the study was to examine correlations among maladaptive perfectionism, hope, and anxiety and the moderating role of hope in the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and anxiety among early adolescents. The sample of the study consisted of 639 early adolescents (354 female/285 male; Mean_age = 12.8, SD_age = .65, range: 11-14). In line with this purpose, the cross-sectional model was conducted. The findings of the study showed that there were significant correlations among maladaptive perfectionism, hope, and anxiety. Moreover, the findings found that hope moderated the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and anxiety. More specifically, the findings suggested that among early adolescents with lower hope, the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and anxiety was stronger than those with higher hope.

Development and Validation of the Self-Compassion Scale for Youth

We present a series of studies on the development and validation of the Self-Compassion Scale-Youth version (SCS-Y), which is intended for use with early adolescents in middle school. Study 1 (N = 279, M_age = 12.17) describes the selection of 17 items out of a pool of 36 potential items, with three items each representing the subscales of self-kindness, mindfulness, common humanity, self-judgment, isolation, and two items representing over-identification. Using state-of-the-art psychometric analyses ideal for examining multidimensional constructs like self-compassion-bifactor exploratory structural equation modeling (bifactor-ESEM)-findings supported the use of a general self-compassion score and six subscale scores. Study 2 cross-validated the factor structure of the SCS-Y with a second sample of youths (N = 402, M_age = 12.43). Study 3 found support for the test-retest reliability of the SCS-Y (N = 102, M_age = 12.52). Study 4 (N = 212, M_age = 12.18) established construct validity for the SCS-Y by demonstrating that SCS-Y scores were significantly associated with mindfulness, happiness, life-satisfaction, depression, resilience, and achievement goal orientation in expected directions. Overall, findings suggest that the SCS-Y is a reliable and valid measure of self-compassion for use with youths.