THE CONTRIBUTION OF SELF-ESTEEM, SELF-COMPASSION, AND SELF-ACCEPTANCE/SELF-CONDEMNATION IN PREDICTING PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND WELL-BEING

Many self-concepts have developed over time. This study investigated the relationship between self-esteem, unconditional self-acceptance (USA)/irrational self-condemnation, and self-compassion. Each of these aspects of the self is thought to lead to disturbance, yet the relationship of these concepts to each other and which has the unique influence on psychopathology and well-being, is unclear. The current study sampled 303 adults from the United States of America who completed scales measuring each of the self-constructs and anxiety, depression, anger, and flourishing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicated mostly medium to large, correlational relationships amongst the self-constructs, as well as the self and positive and negative emotions. Evidence supported the self as four separate constructs. Total self-compassion accounted for the most unique variance in predicting anxiety and anger, while self-compassion and USA accounted for the greatest variance in predicting depression and flourishing. Self-compassion was also deconstructed by subscale to examine its relation to each criterion variable. However, total self-compassion was deemed the strongest predictor of positive and negative emotions. The interplay of subscales leads to a strong sense of self, evidenced by decreased psychopathology and increased well-being. These findings should inform future therapeutic treatment plans and interventions