Maintaining our mental and physical health as we age is key to positive aging. This study examined the relationship between self-compassion, forgiveness, and mental health in order to better understand how self-compassion contributes to psychological well-being in older adults.
The study, which included 250 participants between the ages of 60 and 75, aimed to determine the relationship between mental well-being and self-compassion—that is, being kind to oneself during trying times—and forgiveness. Participants’ psychological well-being, self-compassion, and forgiveness levels were assessed using questionnaires in the study.
The results showed a strong positive relationship between well-being and each of the three variables: self-compassion, forgiveness, and well-being. This suggests that older adults who practice kindness towards themselves and others, as well as forgiveness from themselves, are more likely to be in better mental health. The study also discovered that the association between psychological well-being and forgiveness is somewhat mediated or impacted by self-compassion. This suggests that the relationship between forgiveness and mental health is mostly dependent on self-compassion.
The research highlights the importance to encourage self-compassion and forgiveness to improve older people’s mental health. These insights can be applied to the development of techniques and interventions that effectively improve the quality of life for those getting older. Through encouraging self-compassion and forgiveness, we can assist older adults in aging with a more positive outlook, preserving their mental well-being, and enhancing their general sense of well-being.
Through encouraging self-compassion and forgiveness, we can assist older adults in aging with a more positive outlook, preserving their mental well-being, and enhancing their general sense of well-being.
Exploring the Role of Self-Compassion in Reducing Depression from Ostracism in Teens
“Even if they felt excluded, those who had greater levels of self-compassion exhibited less depression because they tended to use positive coping mechanisms. “
The predictive roles of self-compassion, mental toughness and emotional-psychological well-being on aggressive behaviors of adolescents at low socio-economic level
The study also highlighted how emotional well-being and self-compassion act as mediators, bridging the gap between mental toughness and aggression to strengthen the protective impact of mental toughness against aggression.
Exploring the Connection Between Self-Compassion, Forgiveness, and Well-Being in Older Adults (Goel & Appachu, 2024)
The research highlights the importance to encourage self-compassion and forgiveness to improve older people’s mental health
The impact of loneliness on sleep quality in adolescents: a moderated chain mediation model (Yang et al., 2024)
Recent studies investigating the relationship between loneliness and poor sleep quality in teenagers discovered a significant correlation between higher loneliness and poorer sleep quality.
Cultural Appropriation of Mindfulness
“Unfortunately, today’s Western mindfulness practice often gets translated into an individualistic technique that is highly outcome-oriented.”
Brandon Baun
Brandon earned a Master of Science degree in Applied Developmental Psychology with a specialization in Research Methodology from the University of Pittsburgh