The Role of Social Safeness and Self-compassion in Mental Health Problems: A Model Based on Gilbert Theory of Emotion Regulation Systems

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the role of social safeness and self-compassion, as two essential components of Gilbert’s theory, in mental health. In this regard and based on theoretical foundations, the mediation model of the relationship between social safeness and mental health problems was examined through self-compassion as a mediator. Methods: A total of 344 students from the University of Bojnord, Bojnord City, Iran, in the 2019-2020 academic year were recruited using the cluster sampling method. They were responded to the social safeness and pleasure scale, self-compassion scale (short form), and depression, anxiety, and stress scale. The obtained data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results: The mediation model showed a good fit (χ2⁄df: 1.77; RMSEA: 0.043; CFI: 0.99; GFI: 0.98; AGFI: 0.96; NFI: 0.98; TLI: 0.98). Beta coefficients indicate significant direct effect of social safeness on self-compassion (Beta=0.57; P≤0.001), significant direct effect of self-compassion on mental health problems (Beta=-0.75; P≤0.001), as well as a significant indirect effect of social safeness on mental health problems (Beta=-0.42; P≤0.001). Conclusion: Social safeness affects mental health problems (depression, anxiety, and stress) through self-compassion as a mediator. A high sense of social safeness protects against depression, anxiety, and stress through increasing self-compassion. However, low social safeness increases vulnerability to depression, anxiety, and stress by reducing self-compassion.