Association between Self-Compassion and Demographics of University Students Adjusted by Gratitude

Hermeet Kohli, Donna Wampole, Amarpreet Kohli, Cheng Peng & Dasha Polyakova

doi:https://doi.org/10.29329/ijpe.2022.477.2

Original article | International Journal of Progressive Education 2022, Vol. 18(6) 15-28

Association between Self-Compassion and Demographics of University Students Adjusted by Gratitude

Hermeet Kohli, Donna Wampole, Amarpreet Kohli, Cheng Peng & Dasha Polyakova

pp. 15 - 28 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.29329/ijpe.2022.477.2 | Manu. Number: MANU-2106-24-0006

Published online: December 11, 2022 | Number of Views: 87 | Number of Download: 303

Save PDF

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative research was to assess the association between self-compassion and demographics adjusted by gratitude for university students. A convenience sample of 104 social work students at a public northeastern in the United States completed an online survey that included Self-Compassion Scale Short Form (SCS-s), Gratitude Questionnaire, and demographic information. Increased gratitude was associated with increased self-compassion in all the tested models. Individuals aged 23 or younger, from larger households, leaning independents/moderate democrats, and higher spirituality, had a higher level of self-compassion. Students from rural areas had a higher level of self-compassion than those from suburban regions, but lower self-compassion than those residing in urban areas. Participants with advanced degree had relatively low self-compassion compared with those with a two-year or a four-year degree. Implications of the findings are discussed, including the potential value of incorporating self-compassion and gratitude training in curricular and extracurricular activities in universities.

Keywords: Demographics, Gratitude, Gratitude Practices, Self-Compassion, Self-Compassion Practices, University Students

How to Cite this Article?

APA 6th edition
Kohli, H., Wampole, D., Kohli, A., Peng, C. & Polyakova, D. (2022). Association between Self-Compassion and Demographics of University Students Adjusted by Gratitude . International Journal of Progressive Education, 18(6), 15-28. doi: 10.29329/ijpe.2022.477.2

Harvard
Kohli, H., Wampole, D., Kohli, A., Peng, C. and Polyakova, D. (2022). Association between Self-Compassion and Demographics of University Students Adjusted by Gratitude . International Journal of Progressive Education, 18(6), pp. 15-28.

Chicago 16th edition
Kohli, Hermeet, Donna Wampole, Amarpreet Kohli, Cheng Peng and Dasha Polyakova (2022). "Association between Self-Compassion and Demographics of University Students Adjusted by Gratitude ". International Journal of Progressive Education 18 (6):15-28. doi:10.29329/ijpe.2022.477.2.

References

Beaumont, E., Durkin, M., Hollins Martin, C. J., & Carson, J. (2016). Measuring relationships between self-compassion, compassion fatigue, burnout and well-being in student counsellors and student cognitive behavioural psychotherapists: A quantitative survey. Counselling & Psychotherapy Research, 16(1), 15–23. https://doi-org.ursus-proxy-1.ursus.maine.edu/10.1002/capr.12054 [Google Scholar]
Booker, J. A., & Dunsmore, J. C. (2018). Testing direct and indirect ties of self-compassion with subjective well-being. Journal of Happiness Studies, 20, 1563-1585. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-018-0011-2 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Chen, L. H., Chen, M., Kee, Y. H., & Tsai, Y. (2009). Validation of the Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ) in Taiwanese undergraduate students. Journal of Happiness Studies, 10(6), 655-664. http://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-008-9112-7 [Google Scholar]
Dundas, I., Binder, P. E., Hansen, T. G. B., & Stige, S. H. (2017). Does a short self-compassion intervention for students increase healthy self-regulation? A randomized control trial. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 58(5), 443–450. https://doi.org/10.1111/sjop.12385 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Finlay-Jones, A., Kane, R., & Rees, C. (2017). Self-compassion online: A pilot study of an internet-based self-compassion cultivation program for psychology trainees. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(7), 797–816. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22375 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Herriot, H., Wrosch, C., & Gouin, J.-P. (2018). Self-compassion, chronic age-related stressors, and diurnal cortisol secretion in older adulthood. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 41(6), 850–862. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-018-9943-6 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Hwang, S., Kim, G., Yang, J., & Yang, E. (2016). The moderating effects of age on the relationships of self-compassion, self-esteem, and mental health. Japanese Psychological Research, 58(2), 194–205. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpr.12109 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Khasawneh, S. (2011). Cutting-edge panacea of the twenty-first century: Workplace spirituality for higher education human resources. International Journal of Educational Management, 25(7), 687–700. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513541111172090 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Lerner, J. E. (2020). “Social workers can’t be republicans”: Engaging conservative students in the classroom. Journal of Social Work Education, 56(1), 56–67. https://doi-org/10.1080/10437797.2019.1642274 [Google Scholar]
Lockard, A., Hayes, J., Neff, K., Locke, B. D. (2014). Self-compassion among college Counseling Center clients: An examination of clinical norms and group differences. Journal of College Counseling, 17, 249–259. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-1882.2014.00061.x [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
López, A., Sanderman, R., Ranchor, A. V., & Schroevers, M. J. (2018). Compassion for others and self-compassion: Levels, correlates, and relationship with psychological well-being. Mindfulness, 9(1), 325–331. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-017-0777-z [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Mantelou, A., & Karakasidou, E. (2017). The effectiveness of a Brief Self-Compassion Intervention Program on self-compassion, positive and negative affect and life satisfaction. Psychology, 8, 590-610. https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2017.84038 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Martin, R. D., Kennett, D. J., & Hopewell, N. M. (2019). Examining the importance of academic-specific self-compassion in the academic self-control model. The Journal of Social Psychology, 159(6), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224545.2018.1555128 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Masullo, G. M. (2020, September). Being compassionate with yourself may help bridge political divides. Report from the University of Texas at Austin Center for Media Engagement, Mody College of Communication. Retrieved from https://mediaengagement.org/research/compassion-and-political-divides [Google Scholar]
McCullough, M. E., Emmons, R. A., & Tsang, J. (2002). The grateful disposition: A conceptual and empirical topography. Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, 82, 112–127. https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-3514.82.1.112Yiun [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Miller, J., Lee, J., Shalash, N, & Poklembova, Z. (2020). Self-compassion among social workers. Journal of Social Work, 20(4), 448-462. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468017319829404 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Neff, K. D. (2003). The development and validation of a scale to measure self-compassion. Self & Identity, 2(3), 223–250. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0031492 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Neff, K.D., Long, P.M., Knox, M.C., Davidson, O., Kuchar, A., Costigan, A.P., Williamson, Z. H., Rohleder, N., Tóth-Király, I., & Breines, J.G. (2018). The forest and the trees: Examining the association of self-compassion and its positive and negative components with psychological functioning. Self & Identity, 17(6), 627-645. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298868.2018.1436587 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Neff, K. D., & Pommier, E. (2013). The relationship between self-compassion and other-focused concern among college undergraduates, community adults, and practicing meditators. Self & Identity, 12(2), 160–176. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298868.2011.649546 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Raiche, G., Walls, T. A., Magis, D., Riopel, M. and Blais, J.-G. (2013). Non-graphical solutions for Cattell’s scree test. Methodology, 9(1), 23-29. [Google Scholar]
Saeed, Z., & Sonnentag, T. L. (2018). Role of self-compassion on college students’ social self-evaluations and affect across two domains. Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research, 23(2), 132–142. https://doi.org/10.24839/2325-7342.JN23.2.132 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Satici, S. A., Uysal, R., & Akin, A. (2014). Forgiveness and vengeance: The mediating role of gratitude. Psychological Reports, 114(1), 157-168. https://doi.org/10.2466/07.09.PR0.114k11w9 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Smeets, E., Neff, K., Alberts, H., & Peters, M. (2014). Meeting suffering with kindness: Effects of a brief self-compassion intervention for female college students. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 70(9), 794–807. https://doi.org/10Sincl.1002/jclp.22076 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Terry, M. L., Leary, M.R., & Mehta, S. (2013). Self-compassion as a buffer against homesickness, depression, and dissatisfaction in the transition to college. Self & Identity, 12(3), 278–290. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298868.2012.667913 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Voci, A., Veneziani, C. A., & Fuochi, G. (2019). Relating mindfulness, heartfulness, and psychological well-being: The role of self-compassion and gratitude. Mindfulness, 10(2), 339-351. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-018-0978-0 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Ying, Y.-W. (2009). Student self-compassion, competence, and mental health. Journal of Social Work Education, 45(2), 309–323. https://doi.org/10.5175/JSWE.2009.200700072 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

Volume 18 Issue 6

December 2022

All Articles