Psychological Flexibility and Self-Compassion as Predictors of Well-Being: Mediating Role of a Balanced Time Perspective

Abstract

Measures of psychological flexibility and self-compassion are strongly associated with well-being. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that these relationships are mediated by a balanced time perspective, a proposed ideal way of relating to the past, present, and future that may correspond with an ability to flexibly switch temporal focus. For this purpose, a Polish community sample (N = 421) responded to a web-survey including measures of psychological flexibility (AAQ-II), self-compassion (SCS), two measures of positive aspects of well-being (Satisfaction with Life, Quality of Life), and the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI). Structural equation models, involving a measure of deviation from a balanced time perspective (DBTP) as a mediator of relationships between latent-level psychological flexibility, self-compassion and well-being factors, were tested. We examined separate models for psychological flexibility and self-compassion and a model including both constructs. The results for separate models were consistent with partial mediation of relationships with well-being, both for psychological flexibility and self-compassion. Results for the analysis involving both constructs, suggested unique contributions of both to DBTP, which in turn predicted well-being, but the link between psychological flexibility and DBTP appeared to be the strongest. In further analyses, three ZTPI dimensions were identified as most critical, namely Past Positive, Present Fatalistic, and Past Negative, each of which were part of an indirect effect on well-being. Psychological flexibility in particular, showed a strong negative association with a Past Negative orientation. Taken together, the results indicate that time perspective is a factor to understand the links between psychological flexibility/self-compassion and well-being. While the results pertaining to self-compassion were consistent with results of a couple of prior studies, this is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of a link between psychological flexibility and a balanced time perspective. These findings should be relevant for clinical research and practice.

Self-Compassion Moderates the Association Between Body Dissatisfaction and Suicidal Ideation in Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…As an individual skill, self-compassion plays a significant albeit modest role in suicidality. Self-compassion is considered learnable internal resources that can be enhanced via various therapeutic approaches (e.g., classic cognitive-behavioral therapy; Diedrich et al, 2014 ) and can be helpful in enhancing an individual’s psychological well-being and reducing the impact of negative consequences of stressful events (Pyszkowska & Rönnlund, 2021 ).…”

“…While self-compassion predicts optimism, there is evidence indicating that traits related to optimism, such as self-compassion, facilitate recovery from the impacts of trauma and other mental health symptoms (Nazari et al, 2021). Self-compassion is also beneficial for the psychological adjustment and may also improve biological functioning (Pyszkowska & Rönnlund, 2021). Self-compassion seems particularly relevant for those experiencing more negative life events.…”

Yetişkinlerde Şefkat Korkusu ve Psikolojik Esneklik

“…Buna göre kendimize öz nezaketle yaklaşmak bir nevi bakış açımızı ve dikkatimizi daha geniş ve iyi bir benlik duygusuna esnek bir şekilde kaydırma becerisidir (Hayes, 2008, Neff & Tirch, 2013. Önceden yapılmış olan bazı araştırmalar öz-şefkat ve psikolojik esneklik arasında negatif bir ilişki olduğunu göstermiştir (Pyszkowska & Rönnlund, 2021;Wetterneck vd., 2013) Birey esnek bir şekilde hareket edemezse, öz-şefkat korkusu, acıyı yatıştırabilecek şefkat dolu yaklaşımları engelleyerek patolojiye karşı savunmasızlığı artırabilir. Acı çekme durumlarında, öz-şefkat, şimdiki an farkındalığı ile birlikte, bireyin çevreyle temas kurmasına ve değerler üzerinde hareket etmeye devam etmesine yardımcı olabilen, değerlerle tutarlı bir davranış olarak işlev görebilir.…”

Functional Coupling between the Fronto-Parietal Network and Default Mode Network Is Associated with Balanced Time Perspective

“…Proposed as a key component of positive psychology [ 1 , 4 ], balanced TP is associated with a range of domains relevant for wellbeing including life satisfaction [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Recent studies suggest that balanced TP is associated with better mental health (e.g., reduced anxiety and depression symptoms) [ 9 , 10 , 11 ] and psychological flexibility [ 12 ]. In addition, participants with more balanced TP have been shown to display greater self-control [ 13 ], higher levels of emotional intelligence [ 14 ] and mindfulness [ 15 ].…”