Self-Compassion Across Six Core Dimensions Among Filipino LGBT Young Adults: A Descriptive Study

Self-compassion has been identified as a protective factor against minority stress, yet its multidimensional nature remains understudied in collectivist and conservative societies such as the Philippines. This descriptive study examined self-compassion across six core dimensions among 707 Filipino LGBT young adults aged 18–26, comprising 395 bisexual, 149 gay, 109 lesbian, and 54 transgender participants. Using the 22-item Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003), the study explored variations across gender identity and age. Overall self-compassion levels were moderate (x̄ = 3.41, SD = 0.882). High mean scores were found in Common Humanity (x̄ = 3.65, SD = 0.863) and Mindfulness (x̄ = 3.55, SD = 0.855), indicating strong recognition of shared human experience and balanced emotional awareness. In contrast, low levels emerged in Self-Judgment (x̄ = 2.40, SD = 0.828) and Over-Identification (x̄ = 2.45, SD = 0.809), reflecting persistent tendencies toward self-criticism and emotional overwhelm. Gender identity patterns showed that transgender respondents reported the highest Self-Kindness (x̄ = 3.63), while bisexual participants had the lowest Self-Judgment (x̄ = 2.32). Age-specific trends revealed peaks in overall self-compassion at ages 20 (x̄ = 3.91) and 24 (x̄ = 4.47), followed by notable declines at age 26, particularly among bisexual (x̄ = 3.14) and lesbian respondents (x̄ = 3.55). Transgender participants exhibited the greatest variability, ranging from 2.80 (age 19) to 4.69 (age 23). Findings highlight both strengths and vulnerabilities in Filipino LGBT youths’ emotional self-relating. The study underscores the need for age-responsive and identity-affirming mental health interventions—particularly those targeting self-criticism and emotional regulation—to support resilience among Filipino LGBT young adults.