SELF-COMPASSION AND HEALTH-RELATED OUTCOMES: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF PERCEIVED STRESS

A growing body of research has suggested that self-compassion is associated with better mental health.Recently, it has been demonstrated to also be associated with health-related outcomes.The aim of the current study was to test the mediating role of perceived stress in the relationship between self-compassion and physical health.A total of 489 participants (49%; male, 51% female; M age=40.48,SD=11.95) completed an online composite questionnaire that included: Demographic information, self-compassion, perceived stress, physical symptoms, and self-rated health scales.The results showed that perceived stress fully mediated the relationship between self-compassion and physical symptoms.Furthermore, perceived stress partially mediated the relationship between self-compassion and self-rated health.The results further elaborate previous findings with regard to the predictive role of self-compassion on health-related outcomes via perceived stress.Given the predictive role of physical symptoms and self-rated health on future health outcomes and mortality, the current findings have important implications for establishing intervention as well as prevention programs.