The mediating role of self-compassion between proactive coping and perceived stress among students

Abstract

Proactive coping has been documented as a significant predictor of perceived stress. When facing stressful events, the more individuals use proactive coping strategies, the lower their stress level will be. However, there is still little research of possible latent factors participating in this relationship to explain how proactive coping can reduce of perceived stress, directly and indirectly. This study aimed to examine whether self-compassion can mediate the relationship between proactive coping and perceived stress among students. In a cross-sectional study carried out in 2019, we invited 384 undergraduate students in Hanoi (Vietnam) to voluntarily complete a self-report questionnaire that measured proactive coping, self-compassion and perceived stress scale. Results showed that proactive coping was positively related to level of self-compassion, and both proactive coping and self-compassion were negatively related to stress scores. The effect of proactive coping on stress was eliminated when self-compassion was controlled, showing the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between proactive coping and perceived stress score. Furthermore, among six factors contributing to the concept of self-compassion, data documented mediating role of “self-kindness,”“self-judgment,” and “mindfulness” while no mediating role of “common humanity,”“isolation,” and “over-identification” was observed. Among three mediating factors, mindfulness appeared to be the most important factor explaining the relationship between proactive coping and perceived stress. These results consolidate existing literature of the protective role of self-compassion on psychological health, and hence provide more support for the application of self-compassion, especially of mindfulness, in working with people with stress.

Proactive Coping and Mental Health Among Airline Pilots During China's Regular Prevention and Control of COVID-19: The Role of Perceived Stress and Social Support

“…Therefore, our results demonstrate that proactive coping not only directly affects mental health but also indirectly affects mental health by transmitting from perceived stress. These findings are consistent with the results of prior studies of the relationship between proactive coping and perceived stress ( 20 ). They also align with studies of the effect path between perceived stress and mental health ( 7 , 17 ).…”

“…A study of the ability of freshmen to adjust to college demonstrated that proactive coping was negatively associated with students' perceived stress ( 21 ). A study by Bui et al ( 20 ) also found that proactive coping reduced perceived stress in a sample of Vietnamese undergraduate students. Taken together, this shows that perceived stress plays a significant role in the relationship between proactive coping and mental health.…”

“…Furthermore, proactive coping was demonstrated as an important predictor of perceived stress ( 18 , 19 ). In the face of stressful events, the more proactive coping skills a person has, the lower their perceived stress level will be ( 20 ). A study of the ability of freshmen to adjust to college demonstrated that proactive coping was negatively associated with students' perceived stress ( 21 ).…”

Factors Associated With Depression and Anxiety in Korean Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…82 Encouraging adolescents to use gratitude during the pandemic may help prevent psychological conditions such as depression. 83,84 In addition, interventions fostering gratitude are needed to improve the mental health of adolescents.…”

Authentic Leadership on Employee Coping and Its Impact on Psychological Vulnerable: Survey on Public Organization in Bandung, Indonesia

“…(Mari et al, 2021) Study results show that stress management on individual welfare is also intently connected to their capability to grapple with future threats. (Frydenberg, 2014;Bui et al, 2021) Greenglass ( 2002) developed coping behavior based on several factors that shape individual coping behavior. However, many researchers only use proactive coping and preventive coping.…”