Self-compassion, mindfulness, internalized shame and aggression among adolescents in residential centers in the Philippines: Testing a moderated mediation model

This study explored the impact of internalized shame in predicting proactive aggression (PA) and reactive aggression (RA) among adolescents with a history of maltreatment (N=101). More importantly, the study determined whether self-compassion would be a protective factor in the indirect relationship between internalized shame and aggression through mindfulness. Data were obtained from residential clients from five residential centers in Rizal, Cavite, Laguna and Metro Manila. Moderated mediation analysis was utilized for the study. Findings indicate that those who were maltreated who reported high levels of internalized shame tend to display proactive and reactive aggressive behaviors. Mindfulness was also found to be negatively correlated with RA but not with PA. Those who reported high levels of mindfulness were less likely to experience shame and to exhibit reactive aggression. Despite non significant relationship of self-compassion with he mediation model, the potential psychotherapeutic benefits of both self-compassion and mindfulness for adolescents were discussed. Clinical implications, limitations and future directions of research were elucidated