The Power of Loving Yourself: The Role of Self-Compassion in the Relationship Between Self-Stigma and Psychological Distress in People With Hepatitis B

This study investigated the connection between self-stigma and psychological distress among individuals with hepatitis B virus (HBV) in China, particularly focusing on the mediating role of self-compassion. It also delved into how different components of self-compassion-uncompassionate self-responding (UCS) and compassionate self-responding (CS)-impact this relationship. In a three-phase longitudinal study involving 133 participants diagnosed with HBV, data were collected on their levels of self-stigma, self-compassion, and symptoms of psychological distress such as depression, anxiety, and stress. The results showed that self-compassion fully mediated the relationship between self-stigma and distress, accounting for 19.5% of the variance in depressive symptoms. More specifically, UCS influenced the effects of self-stigma on psychological distress, while CS helped mitigate the negative effects of UCS. This underscores the importance of self-compassion in this context, suggesting that interventions targeting CS and UCS could be effective in reducing distress related to self-stigma in individuals with HBV. Clinical Impact Statement This study reveals a potent connection between self-stigma and mental distress in Chinese individuals with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Central to this relationship is the mediating role of self-compassion, particularly the distinct effects of compassionate self-responding and uncompassionate self-responding. These findings suggest that targeted interventions focusing on differential roles of compassionate self-responding and uncompassionate self-responding could prove highly effective in alleviating the psychological distress associated with HBV-related self-stigma. This study adds valuable insights into the specific cultural context of China, where HBV prevalence is high, and provides practical implications for developing culturally tailored mental health interventions for HBV patients.