Adaptive mechanisms of self-compassion in predicting depression symptoms

Research has shown that self-compassion, a positive way of viewing oneself, is strongly associated with positive mental health outcomes, including lessened depression. Self-compassion interventions are also powerful means by which to reduce depression over the short- and long-term. However, the extant research has failed to examine the adaptive means by which self-compassion may reduce depression symptoms. The present research investigated whether self-compassion lessens depressive symptoms by encouraging adaptive behaviors, including selfcare. This hypothesis was tested in a sample of 120 students, who completed measures of self-compassion, depression symptoms, and self-care. The results found that self-care agency, interest and engagement in gratitude journaling, and positive feedback seeking mediated the relationship between self-compassion and depressive symptoms. Self-compassion predicted each of these behaviors, and these behaviors were responsible for some of the relationship between self-compassion and depressive symptoms. Self-compassion may reduce symptoms of depression by encouraging self-care behaviors. Implications and suggestions for further research are provided