Family Incivility Impedes Interpersonal Adaptation and Increases Loneliness in Adolescents: Self-Compassion as a Mediator

ObjectivesWhile the negative effects of family incivility have been found for work-related outcomes, few studies have explored its impact on adolescents' interpersonal interactions. This study explores the role of family incivility (situational factor) on loneliness and interpersonal adaptation among adolescents, via the mediating role of self-compassion.MethodWe conducted a two-wave survey among 167 Chinese adolescents (M-age = 16.83 years, SD = 1.32). Participants completed measures of family incivility, self-compassion, loneliness and interpersonal adaptation. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the mediating role of self-compassion between family incivility and loneliness and between family incivility and interpersonal adaptation.ResultsFamily incivility is negatively related to interpersonal adaptation and positively related to loneliness. When controlling for baseline levels of loneliness and interpersonal adaptation, self-compassion mediates the relationship between family incivility and loneliness. It also mediates the relationship between family incivility and interpersonal adaptation.ConclusionsFamily incivility is linked to reduced interpersonal adaptation and increased loneliness through decreasing self-compassion. The results provide new insights relevant for interventions to alleviate the adverse effects of family incivility.PreregistrationThis study is not preregistered.