Self-Compassion as a Spiritual Shield: Young Adults in the Shadow of Social Appearance Anxiety
Spiritual Psychology and Counseling, cilt.10, sa.3, ss.349-366, 2025 (Scopus, TRDizin)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 10 Sayı: 3
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.37898/spiritualpc.1663291
- Dergi Adı: Spiritual Psychology and Counseling
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, Central & Eastern European Academic Source (CEEAS), Directory of Open Access Journals, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.349-366
- Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This study examined the predictive role of
self-compassion on social appearance anxiety among university students, a
concern heightened by social media pressures. Employing a correlational
research design, the study included 402 university students recruited through
convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Self-Compassion Scale-Short
Form and the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale. Analyses revealed a moderate,
negative, and significant relationship between self-compassion and social
appearance anxiety (r = -.50, p < .001). A simple linear regression analysis
indicated that self-compassion explained 25% of the variance in social
appearance anxiety (R² = .25) and was a significant negative predictor (β =
-.50). Furthermore, body dissatisfaction and self-criticism were identified as
significant factors associated with higher levels of anxiety. The findings
strongly support that self-compassion serves as a key psychological resource
and a 'spiritual shield' against social appearance anxiety for young adults.
These results underscore the importance of implementing self-compassion-based
interventions to support the mental health of young adults.