Self-compassion and Eudaimonic Well-Being During Emotionally Difficult Times in Sport

Leah Ferguson (), Kent Kowalski (), Diane Mack () and Catherine Sabiston ()

Journal of Happiness Studies, 2015, vol. 16, issue 5, 1263-1280

Abstract: Evidence is emerging for the potential usefulness of self-compassion (Neff in Self Identity 2:223–250, 2003a ) in young women athletes’ sport experiences (Mosewich et al. in J Sport Exerc Psychol 33:103–123, 2011 , J Sport Exerc Psychol 35:514–524, 2013 ). However, it is unclear whether extending compassion towards the self contributes to or thwarts athletes’ psychological well-being (i.e., eudaimonic well-being) in sport. The purpose of this study was to examine self-compassion during emotionally difficult sport situations in relation to eudaimonic well-being in sport. Women athletes (N = 137; M age = 19 years) completed an online survey including measures of self-compassion, eudaimonic well-being, and reactions to hypothetical, emotionally difficult, sport scenarios. Pearson bivariate correlations were used to examine relationships among study variables, and Preacher and Hayes’ (Behav Res Methods 40:879–891, 2008 ) SPSS macro was used to explore models of indirect effects. The relationship between self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being in the sport domain was generally supported, with significant correlations between self-compassion and autonomy, meaning and vitality in sport, and body appreciation (rs = .18–.47, p > .05). Significant indirect effects suggest that (1) self-compassionate athletes have greater eudaimonic well-being in sport primarily through higher positivity and perseverance, as well as lower passivity in reaction to emotionally difficult sport situations, and (2) self-critical reactions suppress the relationships between self-compassion and eudaimonia in sport. The pattern of findings suggests that compassionately relating to the self might be advantageous for aspects of young women athletes’ psychological well-being in sport. Specifically, having a kind and understanding self-attitude might nurture constructive reactions to emotionally difficult sport situations. Findings can inform future research aimed at better understanding how self-compassion is linked with optimal psychological functioning in sport. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2015

Keywords: Self-compassion; Psychological well-being; Sport; Women (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1007/s10902-014-9558-8

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