Exploring the influence of self-esteem and self-compassion on daily psychological health: Insights from the experience sampling method

The present study explored the influence of trait-level self-esteem and self-compassion on day-to-day positive and negative affect, levels of stress, and coping styles using the experience sampling method (ESM). The results of both Study 1 (American participants) and Study 2 (Japanese participants) demonstrated that individuals with higher self-esteem and self-compassion experienced greater positive affect, lower negative affect and stress, and were more likely to rely on adaptive coping strategies (e.g., problem-focused coping). The mediating role of coping also shed light on the underlying mechanisms linking self-esteem and self-compassion to better psychological functioning. However, the utility of each construct varied between the two nations, with both self-esteem and self-compassion being beneficial for American participants, whereas self-compassion played a more significant role among Japanese participants. Overall, the current findings suggest that although both self-esteem and self-compassion are conducive to better psychological health, their relative effectiveness may vary depending on cultural context. • Higher self-esteem and self-compassion were associated with greater positive affect. • Higher self-esteem and self-compassion were linked to lower negative affect and stress. • Higher self-esteem and self-compassion were related to greater use of adaptive coping. • The utility of self-esteem and self-compassion varied across cultures.