The Link Between Psychological Abuse and Resilience Among Adolescents: A Mediation Analysis of Emotional Flexibility and Self-Compassion

Abstract Psychological abuse poses a potential threat to the resilience of adolescents. Existing literature indicates correlations between psychological abuse, emotional flexibility, self-compassion, and resilience. However, further exploration of these connections is warranted. This study seeks to investigate the mediating roles of emotional flexibility and self-compassion in the association between psychological abuse and resilience among adolescents. The study involved 645 high school adolescents, comprising 297 boys (46%) and 348 girls (54%). Results revealed that psychological abuse has direct and significant effects on resilience. Moreover, emotional flexibility and self-compassion were found to mediate the relationship between psychological abuse and resilience. These mediation effects imply that emotional flexibility and self-compassion may act as buffering mechanisms. Resilience levels of adolescents exposed to psychological abuse decrease. On the other hand, emotional flexibility and self-compassion may increase adolescents’ resilience. Developing emotional flexibility and self-compassion skills in adolescents exposed to psychological abuse can be effective intervention methods for improving their mental well-being.