Self-Compassion and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Life-Satisfaction and Perceived Stress among Adults

Introduction: Self-esteem and self-compassion are widely researched concepts related to positive life outcomes and self-perception, and has superior mental health benefits. Objectives: The study evaluates the relationship between self-compassion and self-esteem, and their influence as predictors of life satisfaction and perceived stress among adults.  Method: Purposive sampling included 126 participants between 18-40 years of age;  questionnaires were administered to measure self-compassion, self-esteem, perceived stress and life satisfaction. Self-compassion subscales and self-esteem were included in stepwise regression analysis to identify predictors of perceived and satisfaction with life, and Pearson Correlation was used to examine the relationship between them. Results showed that self-compassion was negatively correlated with self-esteem. Over-identification subscale was a significant positive predictor of perceived stress and, mindfulness subscale and self-esteem negatively predicted perceived stress. Also, self-esteem strongly predicted life satisfaction positively and only isolation subscale was found to significantly predict life satisfaction negatively. No gender or age differences were found for self-compassion. Conclusion: Holistic life adjustment appears to be influenced by one’s self-esteem and self-compassion. Implications for well-being will be discussed.