Positive ageing: self-compassion as a mediator between forgiveness and psychological well-being in older adults

Abstract

Purpose Positive aging aims to promote the physical health and psychological well-being of older adults for them to age successfully. Under the domain of positive aging, this study aims to explore the mediating role of self-compassion between forgiveness and psychological well-being in older adults. Design/methodology/approach It was based on a quantitative research design, with a sample of 250 individuals within the age group of 60–75 years. Data was collected using Self-compassion Scale (2003), Heartland Forgiveness Scale (2005) and Psychological Well-being Scale. Analysis was performed using Pearson’s correlation, linear regression, followed by the generalised linear model of mediation. Findings The results revealed a significant (p ≤ 0.001), high and positive correlation between self-compassion and forgiveness (r = 0.821), forgiveness and psychological well-being (r = 0.852) and self-compassion and psychological well-being (r = 0.802). Linear regression suggested that self-compassion and forgiveness are significant (p ≤ 0.001) predictors of psychological well-being, causing a variance of 75.6%. Mediation revealed significant (p ≤ 0.001) direct, indirect and total effect between the variables, showing that self-compassion partially mediates the relationship between forgiveness and psychological well-being. Research limitations/implications The findings provide valuable insights on how fostering self-compassion along with forgiveness can improve psychological well-being among the elderly, however, research on additional variables, drawing comparisons between gender, economic status and clinical populations can be further explored. Nevertheless, this study can be used to develop interventions and therapeutic techniques to enhance self-compassion and forgiveness to improve psychological well-being among older adults. Originality/value As per the best knowledge of the researcher, this work is original as it is a primary research and no data has been collected of a similar nature from the participants.