Self-compassion and social anxiety in late adolescence: Contributions of self-reflection and insight

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to explore the moderating effects of self-reflection and insight in the self-compassion and social anxiety relationship. A convenience sample of 110 college students aged between 18-20 years reported on self-compassion, self-reflection and insight, as well as social anxiety symptoms. Findings revealed that: (1) late adolescents with both high levels of self-compassion and self-reflection were less prone to experience social anxiety, yet those with lower self-compassion and high self-reflection reported more social anxiety symptoms; and (2) late adolescents who were both more self-compassionate and presented higher levels of insight were more protected against social anxiety. Both self-reflection and insight could be relevant mechanisms for understanding how psychological interventions might generate changes in late adolescent’s social anxiety symptoms.