In the parent-adolescent dyad, parent self-compassion is predictive of lower psychological inflexibility in adolescents
Abstract
Self-compassion is defined as being kind and non-judgmental towards oneself, especially when facing difficulties (Neff 2003). Previous studies have shown that parents who have supportive experiences develop higher self-compassion (Lanthren 2020), and parent stress is negatively correlated with parent self-compassion (Gouveia 2016). Another study showed a correlation between self-compassion and flexibility processes, namely acceptance, diffusion, and emotional well-being (Marshall 2016). Psychological inflexibility is defined as a rigid way of responding to internal events, such as negative thoughts or feelings, by avoiding or escaping from them (Ong 2019). Experiential avoidance is an example of inflexibility and refers to the unwillingness to remain in contact with aversive private experiences and taking action to avoid and/or alter them (Wolgast 2014). High inflexibility is associated with higher depression and anxiety (Hayes 2004). The participants of this study were adolescents aged 13-17 years old (65.7% boys, 73.5% European American) and their parents (n = 165). The participants were recruited via Qualtrics online platform in the United States. The adolescents and their parents provided informed consent, completed questionnaires, and were compensated with reward-redeemable points. Parent self-compassion was measured via the Self-Compassion Scale Short-Form, and adolescent psychological inflexibility was measured via the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire. The design of this study was approved by the East Tennessee State University Institutional Review Board. Results indicate that parent self-compassion related to lower adolescent psychological inflexibility. Parent self-compassion may model more flexible ways to relate to one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, which in turn may assist youth with how they relate to themselves and protect them from a rigid coping style. Future research is recommended with longitudinal data to ascertain directionality of findings.
Start Time
16-4-2025 1:30 PM
End Time
16-4-2025 4:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Category
Social Sciences
Student Type
Undergraduate Student
Faculty Mentor
Rachel Miller-Slough
Faculty Department
Psychology
In the parent-adolescent dyad, parent self-compassion is predictive of lower psychological inflexibility in adolescents
Self-compassion is defined as being kind and non-judgmental towards oneself, especially when facing difficulties (Neff 2003). Previous studies have shown that parents who have supportive experiences develop higher self-compassion (Lanthren 2020), and parent stress is negatively correlated with parent self-compassion (Gouveia 2016). Another study showed a correlation between self-compassion and flexibility processes, namely acceptance, diffusion, and emotional well-being (Marshall 2016). Psychological inflexibility is defined as a rigid way of responding to internal events, such as negative thoughts or feelings, by avoiding or escaping from them (Ong 2019). Experiential avoidance is an example of inflexibility and refers to the unwillingness to remain in contact with aversive private experiences and taking action to avoid and/or alter them (Wolgast 2014). High inflexibility is associated with higher depression and anxiety (Hayes 2004). The participants of this study were adolescents aged 13-17 years old (65.7% boys, 73.5% European American) and their parents (n = 165). The participants were recruited via Qualtrics online platform in the United States. The adolescents and their parents provided informed consent, completed questionnaires, and were compensated with reward-redeemable points. Parent self-compassion was measured via the Self-Compassion Scale Short-Form, and adolescent psychological inflexibility was measured via the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire. The design of this study was approved by the East Tennessee State University Institutional Review Board. Results indicate that parent self-compassion related to lower adolescent psychological inflexibility. Parent self-compassion may model more flexible ways to relate to one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, which in turn may assist youth with how they relate to themselves and protect them from a rigid coping style. Future research is recommended with longitudinal data to ascertain directionality of findings.