Exploring Connections Between Self-Compassion, Mindfulness, and Social Anxiety

Objectives Self-compassion and mindfulness are related but distinct constructs that are thought to influence a variety of mental health outcomes. However, few studies have evaluated these constructs concurrently in the context of mental health. This study examined associations between trait mindfulness, self-compassion, and baseline clinical variables in individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Methods The study used a cross-sectional design and included 136 men and women with SAD. The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire and short form of the Self-Compassion Scale were used to assess mindfulness and self-compassion, respectively. Clinical variables included ratings of social anxiety severity, depression, self-esteem, social adjustment, and satisfaction with life. Results Bivariate correlations revealed that higher ratings of self-compassion and facets of mindfulness were associated with less severe social anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as better functioning, self-esteem, and satisfaction with life. Self-compassion was more strongly associated with clinical variables than mindfulness in the regression models. Mediation analysis found that the mindfulness facet Describe mediated the relationship between self-compassion and social anxiety severity. An alternative model showed that self-compassion mediated the relationship between multiple facets of mindfulness and social anxiety severity. Conclusions Although causality cannot be discerned from this cross-sectional study, these preliminary findings suggest that individual differences in facets of mindfulness and self-compassion may be associated with social anxiety severity. Mediation analysis highlights the interplay between mindfulness, self-compassion, and severity of social anxiety. Implications for further research are discussed.