Relationships of self-compassion, autonomous motivation and common life factors
Authors
Ross, Belinda
Issue Date
2018
Degree
Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
Treating oneself with self-compassion has been shown to have positive effects on well-being and mental health, with a significant negative correlation between self-compassion and both anxiety and depression levels, and a significant positive correlation with life satisfaction and well-being. This study examines the relationship between self-compassion, measured via the Self-Compassion Scale, autonomous motivation, measured via the Perceived Choice and Awareness of Self Scale and common life factors: age, gender, education, employment, parenthood and mindfulness practice. 73 participants from the general population completed a self-report online survey of cross-sectional design. Results showed self-compassion is a significant predictor of autonomous motivation. Relationships were found between self-compassion and age, gender and mindfulness practice respectively. Parenthood was found to have a significant negative relationship with perceived choice, however not with overall autonomous motivation scores. The potential application of findings, such as including self-compassion enhancing training in the workplace and intervention programmes are discussed.