The Intersectionality of Self-Esteem, Low Self-Control, and Self-Compassion Among Prisoners

Abstract Previous research indicates that low self-control, self-esteem, and self-compassion are associated with criminality. Although these studies suggest a correlation between these variables, previous studies have not yet explored the impact of the intersection of these variables on crime. This study aimed to investigate self-compassion as a mediator of self-esteem and low self-control. A sample of 94 prisoners in a United States county jail completed questionnaires measuring self-esteem, low self-control, and self-compassion. Mediation and correlational analyses were conducted to investigate the relationships among self-esteem, low self-control, and self-compassion. This study concluded that low self-control was negatively correlated with self-esteem and self-compassion. The results also concluded that self-compassion and self-esteem were positively correlated. Self-compassion was found to mediate the relationship between self-esteem and low self-control. Key implications of these findings are discussed.