Self-compassion as a mediator of the attachment and resilience relationship

Studies have examined the relationships between attachment, self-compassion, and resilience, but no study has yet investigated the joint relationship between all three constructs. The current study aimed to address this significant gap in the literature, with a special focus on the possible mediating role of self-compassion. A partial mediation model was hypothesized and evaluated. A non-clinical sample of 506 (397 females) adults completed an online survey. Both attachment anxiety and avoidance, were negatively correlated with both self-compassion and resilience, and self-compassion was positively correlated with resilience. Structural equation modelling revealed that both attachment anxiety and avoidance, had a negative and direct effect on both self-compassion and resilience, and self-compassion had a positive and direct effect on resilience. The partial mediation effects of self-compassion were weak. The results of this study support that self-compassion can be partly explained by attachment, and both attachment and self-compassion are partly involved in the development of resilience, but the effects of attachment and self-compassion on resilience are largely independent of each other. Directions for future research, limitations, and clinical implications are discussed.