Self-compassion: Concept, Measurement, and Theory

Zhao Yufei; An Lipeng; Li Yutong; Gao Fengqiang

doi:10.16719/j.cnki.1671-6981.20250323

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Journal of Psychological Science ›› 2025, Vol. 48 ›› Issue (3) : 758-767. DOI: 10.16719/j.cnki.1671-6981.20250323

Theories & History of Psychology

Self-compassion: Concept, Measurement, and Theory

Zhao Yufei¹, An Lipeng¹, Li Yutong², Gao Fengqiang¹

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Abstract

Self-compassion research represents an emerging field in contemporary psychological science. This paper first proposes a broader and more detailed exploration of the context in which self-compassion emerged. Furthermore, this paper not only analyzes the positive significance of Buddhist compassion thought in terms of personal development and mental health, but also complements the prior discussions of healthy self-attitudes (e.g., self-esteem) by early researchers before the concept of self-compassion was introduced. Self-compassion has been shown to guide individuals toward a more positive and self-sufficient state.
Secondly, this paper elucidates the elements that make up this concept. Self-compassion is a healthy way for individuals to relate to themselves in the face of failure, inadequacy, or suffering, without involving an evaluation of self-worth. Self-compassion is a multidimensional concept that includes three overlapping yet distinct elements. Each includes a positive pole and a negative pole representing compassionate and uncompassionate behavior: (1) self-kindness vs. self-judgment; (2) common humanity vs. isolation; (3) mindfulness vs. over-identification.
Then, due to the conceptual proximity of self-compassion to self-esteem and self-pity, conceptual confusion often arises. Therefore, this paper elaborates on the similarities and differences between self-compassion and both self-esteem and self-pity, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding of the concept of self-compassion. Both self-compassion and self-esteem involve positive feelings about oneself. However, self-esteem is based on positive self-evaluation, emphasizing uniqueness and the successful achievement of goals, whereas self-compassion does not arise from self-judgment or evaluation processes, emphasizing the recognition of common humanity and the adoption of a kind and accepting attitude toward oneself. Although self-compassion and self-pity both respond to suffering, the former avoids over-identification with pain and allows space for kindness, while the latter originates from pain, and emphasizes separation, self-centeredness, and over-identification with negative emotions.
Meanwhile, this paper identifies common misconceptions about self-compassion. Specifically, self-compassion does not imply psychological vulnerability. Instead, it is a positive psychological resource that can significantly enhance individual psychological resilience; it does not imply selfishness and self-centeredness but can enhance social connectedness; self-compassion is often misunderstood as weakening the motivation for individual progress, in fact, self-compassion stems from self-care and the desire for happiness, rather than from the fear of inadequacy or avoidance of difficulty. Self-compassion provides a more positive, healthy, and sustainable pattern of motivation.
Furthermore, this paper reviews the development of self-compassion measurement tools and the two theories related to self-compassion. In China, psychological scholars have revised the Chinese version of the Self-Compassion Scale and validated its reliability and its validity among college students. The findings confirm its high reliability. Nowadays, the Chinese version of the SCS has been widely used in domestic psychological research and related fields, becoming one of the indispensable tools for assessing individuals’ levels of self-compassion. In particular, this paper provides a more systematic description of the research paradigm for state self-compassion and the corresponding measurement tools. This description is helpful for researchers to use more scientific tools to measure the components and effects of self-compassion in experimental studies.
Lastly, recognizing the positive contributions of self-compassion in fostering self-healing and enhancing human well-being, this paper focuses on reviewing the empirical research findings on self-compassion and mental health, as well as self-compassion and well-being. By learning and practicing self-compassion, individuals can gradually cultivate a non-judgmental acceptance of the present moment, approach painful experiences with kindness toward themselves, and gain a deep understanding that such experiences are universal among humans. This, in turn, fosters a more positive and healthy sense of social connectedness. This transformative process is particularly crucial for individuals in stressful environments, facing various challenges, struggling with feelings of inadequacy, and for special populations. It helps increase their psychological resilience and capacity for well-being.

Key words

self-compassion / state self-compassion / mental health / well-being

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Zhao Yufei, An Lipeng, Li Yutong, Gao Fengqiang. Self-compassion: Concept, Measurement, and Theory[J]. Journal of Psychological Science. 2025, 48(3): 758-767 https://doi.org/10.16719/j.cnki.1671-6981.20250323

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