Internalized criticism and absence of care: separate pathways from childhood abuse and neglect to dual harm via self-compassion

The findings highlight differential pathways through which childhood abuse and neglect influence later self- and other-directed harm. Positive self-compassion may serve as a protective factor, whereas negative self-compassion may exacerbate risk. Tailored interventions focusing on enhancing self-compassion could help mitigate the long-term effects of childhood maltreatment.