ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6307-706X

Year

2017

Season

Fall

Degree Type

Honors Thesis

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree Name

Honors in the Major

First Advisor

Dr. Paul T. Fuglestad

Abstract

Self-compassion is a relatively new construct in the psychological literature, and it is comprised of practicing self-kindness, recognizing our common humanity, and being mindful of one’s emotions. Previous research has found that individuals higher in self-compassion benefit from greater psychological well-being, less anxiety and depression, and greater clarity about their own strengths and limitations relative to those lower in self-compassion. While this construct has been investigated primarily in clinical and mental health contexts, few studies have evaluated its associations with certain aspects of personality, morals, and values. In the present research, we examined cross-sectional associations between the Self-Compassion Scale, the Big Five Aspects Scale, the Moral Foundations Questionnaire, and the Schwartz Value Survey. Participants completed an online survey comprised of these four constructs. Results indicated that overall self-compassion was negatively correlated with both aspects of Neuroticism (Volatility = -.58, p < .001; Withdrawal: r = -.70, p < .001), and positively correlated with the Industriousness aspect of Conscientiousness (r = .38, p < .001), the Politeness aspect of Agreeableness (r = .19, p = .008), and the Enthusiasm aspect of Extraversion (r = .23, p = .002). Self-compassion was positively correlated with only the Ingroup/Loyalty factor of moral reasoning (r = .19, p = .013) and only the core value of Conformity (r = .19, p = .008). Findings suggest that high self-compassion is related to low withdrawal and emotional reactivity, being proactive and getting things done, approaching life and relationships with enthusiasm, and being loyal and respectful to others.

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