The mediating role of self-compassion between quality of life and positive mental health in older adults

Objectives This study aimed to examine the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between positive mental health and quality of life among older adults. Method A descriptive, cross-sectional, and causal research design was employed. The study was conducted with older adults (n = 152) residing in a nursing home in Turkey. Data were collected using the Positive Mental Health Scale (PMHS), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and the Quality of Life Scale in Older People (CASP-19). Pearson's correlation analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (Process Macro Model-4) were used to explore the associations among positive mental health, self-compassion, and quality of life. Results The mean total CASP-19 score was 25.44 +/- 6.58, the mean total PMHS score was 125.26 +/- 13.44, and the mean total SCS score was 93.66 +/- 13.58. PMHS and SCS levels were key determinants of CASP-19, explaining 23.5% of the variance (F = 22.872, p < 0.001). The Process Macro model analysis demonstrated that positive mental health had a direct positive effect on quality of life (beta = 0.451). Moreover, self-compassion was found to partially mediate the relationship between positive mental health and quality of life (beta = 0.316; R2 = 0.235). Conclusion Older adults in the study exhibited relatively high levels of quality of life. Self-compassion was identified as a partial mediator in the relationship between positive mental health and quality of life. The findings suggest that evidence-based interventions focused on enhancing self-compassion may contribute to improving the quality of life among older adults.