Self-compassion as a spiritual shield: young adults in the shadow of social appearance anxiety

Abstract

This study examined the predictive role of self-compassion on social appearance anxiety among university students, a concern heightened by social media pressures. Employing a correlational research design, the study included 402 university students recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form and the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale. Analyses revealed a moderate, negative, and significant relationship between self-compassion and social appearance anxiety (r = -.50, p <.001). A simple linear regression analysis indicated that self-compassion explained 25% of the variance in social appearance anxiety (R2 =.25) and was a significant negative predictor (β = -.50). Analyses also revealed that participants with higher body dissatisfaction and self-criticism reported significantly higher levels of social appearance anxiety. The findings strongly support that self-compassion serves as a key psychological resource and a ‘spiritual shield’ against social appearance anxiety for young adults. These results underscore the importance of implementing self-compassion-based interventions to support the mental health of young adults.