Evaluation of Parents’ Self-Compassion Levels and Parenting Styles

Sema Sal and Mükerrem Kabataş Yıldız

International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 2026, vol. 72, issue 4, 760-766

Abstract: Background: Parenting plays a critical role not only in supporting children’s healthy growth and development but also in contributing to a meaningful and fulfilling life. Aims: This study evaluates how parents’ self-compassion levels, which significantly influence their well-being, affect their parenting styles. Methods: The research was conducted using a cross-sectional and descriptive design. Data were collected through an online form between April and October 2024, using a general information form, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Multidimensional Parenting Styles Scale. Data analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0. Descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, minimum/maximum values, frequency, and percentage, were used to summarize the findings. Results: The effect of parents’ self-compassion levels on parenting styles was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results indicate that most parents exhibit high levels of self-compassion and positive parenting behaviors. Additionally, as self-compassion levels decrease, negative parenting behaviors tend to increase. Conclusion: These findings suggest that self-compassion is a key factor in the parenting process, and supporting parents’ self-compassion levels may contribute to developing more positive parenting behaviors. Therefore, it is recommended that psychosocial support and awareness programs be developed to enhance parents’ self-compassion levels.

Keywords: child development; nursing; self-compassion; parent; parenting styles (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:72:y:2026:i:4:p:760-766

DOI: 10.1177/00207640251407188

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