This notable article on self-compassion and self-esteem is a must read, as it highlights the importance of self-compassion as a protective factor against experiencing impaired mental health. The article cites literature which has found that low self-esteem in adolescence is linked to poorer mental health outcomes, future suicide attempts, and a failure to establish a positive social support network. The findings of the study illustrate that low self-esteem predicts poorer mental health outcomes, but only in those who were also low in self-compassion. Practicing self-compassion involves accepting self-doubt, adversity, and negative self-evaluations as a normal part of the human condition. Participants with low self-esteem, but who were high in self-compassion, appeared to be protected from experiencing impairments in their mental health. For more details, click on the link below for the full article.
Self-Compassion Protective Factor Low Self-Esteem
