Self-compassion and forms of concern for others

• Self-compassion (SC) was negatively associated with pathological concern (PC).
• SC was not associated with healthy concern (HC).
• PC was indicative of a lack of well-being.
• SC and HC were indicative of greater well-being.

The subject of positive attitudes toward self and others has recently been the recipient of growing attention. In two studies, we explored self-compassion (SC) and forms of concern for others as they relate to various aspects of psychological functioning. SC was negatively associated with pathological concern (PC) and not associated with healthy concern (HC). PC was indicative of emotional and interpersonal difficulties, and a lack of well-being. SC and HC were indicative of better emotional and interpersonal functioning and greater well-being. Results of the two studies suggest that SC and HC differ from one another in terms of the particular personal orientation they express. PC on the other hand serves as a coping strategy with a fragile sense of self.