Self-compassion: the influences on the university students’ life satisfaction during the COVID-19 outbreak

Abstract

Purpose This study investigates the relationship between self-compassion and life satisfaction, and there is a significant statistical correlation between some dimensions of the self-compassion scale (family, self-kindness, common human feelings and mental alertness). Design/methodology/approach The researcher used the Self-Compassion scale prepared by Neff (2003) translated by the researchers, in a sample of 150 students in Egypt, and Multidimensional Student’s Life Satisfaction Scale, developed by Huebner et al. (1998) translated by the researchers. Findings The results of the study showed that self-compassion is high in university students. The study also showed a negative correlation with the dimension of psychological self-judgment and life satisfaction, as it indicated the possibility of predicting life satisfaction through the dimensions of self-compassion, except for the dimensions of isolation and autism, and excessive communication with the self. It also indicated that there are no differences between males and females as far as the variable of self-compassion, as well as the absence of differences between males and females as far as the variable of satisfaction with life is concerned. However, the family dimension showed a difference in favor of males. Originality/value The inclusion of extension programs to develop self-compassion for various segments of society in light of the continuing corona pandemic, and paying attention to religious counseling programs that support the use of spiritual values in self-strengthening which is reflected in the strengthening of psychological resilience and thus a sense of satisfaction with life.