Self-Compassion, Self-Criticism and Hope among Emerging Adults

In this competent world, emerging adults are faced by various pressures such as academic, family and societal interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships. These pressures may make an individual feel inadequate and may self-criticise during times of hardships. Self-compassion may help these individuals to cope with difficult circumstances which may also help them have a high hope about the future. This current study investigated to understand the relationship between self-compassion, self-criticism and hope among emerging adults. The study also examined if there were any gender differences in self-compassion, self-criticism and hope. The sample consisted of 300 emerging adults (150 male and 150 female) of the age range 18 to 25 years. The study was ex post-facto in nature and convenient sampling technique was used. Data was collected by administration of the questionnaire: Self-compassion scale (Kristin Neff, 2003), The Forms Of Self-Criticizing/Attacking & Self-Reassuring Scale (Gilbert et.al, 2004) and Adult Dispositional Hope Scale (Snyder et.al, 1991). Pearson’s Correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between the variables and independent samples‘t’ test was used to examine gender differences in self-compassion, self-criticism and hope. The results indicated that there is a significant negative relationship between self-compassion and self-criticism. There is a significant positive relationship between self-compassion and hope. There is a significant negative relationship between self-criticism and hope. There is also a significant positive relationship between self-compassion and reassure self. There is a significant negative relationship between self-criticism and reassure self. There is also a significant positive relationship between reassure self and hope. The results showed no significant difference in self-compassion and reassure self with regard to gender. There was a significant difference in self-criticism and hope with respect to gender.