Self-Compassion as a Mediator Between Perfectionism and Life-Satisfaction Among University Students

Abstract

Using a correlational method, this study investigates the mediation role of self-compassion in the relationship between perfectionism dimensions and life satisfaction among university students. A sample of 246 students (171 females and 75 males, M = 21.40 years, SD = 2.02) from several universities participated in the study. Turkish versions of the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale were used as data collection tools. Using structural equation modeling, the results show that self-compassion fully mediates the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and life-satisfaction. On the other hand, there is no significant relationship between adaptive perfectionism and life-satisfaction. The Bootstrap Method that was used to assess the magnitude of the indirect effects indicates that the indirect effect of self-compassion on the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and life-satisfaction is significant. The implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed in line with the related literature.