Trait and state self-compassion: Different pathways to life satisfaction

Abstract

Self-compassion, a well-established emotion regulation strategy and intrinsic psychological resource, robustly predicts enhanced well-being across developmental and cultural contexts. However, prior research has predominantly conceptualized self-compassion as a trait variable, examining its unidirectional impact on life satisfaction. Few studies have explored its bidirectional relationship and potential differences between trait- and state-based pathways. Using longitudinal and daily diary designs, we investigated temporal predictive relationships between self-compassion (both trait and state) and life satisfaction. Study 1 (N = 511, two waves over eight months) revealed bidirectional predictive relationship between trait self-compassion and life satisfaction. In contrast, Study 2 (N = 137, 7-day diary) demonstrated day-to-day increases in state self-compassion predicted subsequent increases in daily life satisfaction, but not vice versa. These findings suggest an asymmetric, unidirectional relationship at the state level, distinct from the reciprocal association observed at the trait level. This dual-process perspective advances theoretical frameworks and informs well-being interventions.