Mindfulness and self-compassion as mediators of effect of self-criticism on subjective well-being

The aim of this study is to investigate whether self-compassion and mindfulness are mediating variables between self-criticism and subjective well-being. The study was conducted with the participation of 328 healthy people. Data collection tools that were used during this study were "Self-Criticism Scale", "Self-Compassion Scale", "Mindful Attention Awareness Scale", "Life Satisfaction Scale" and "Positive and Negative Affect Schedule". The findings of the study showed that self-compassion and mindfulness are partial mediating variables between self-criticism and subjective well-being. Besides, the correlation between the sub-dimensions of these variables was examined, as well. Based on the results of the regression analyses conducted, it was found that self-kindness, isolation (which are both sub-dimensions of self-compassion), comparative self-criticism (which is a sub-dimension of self-criticism) and mindfulness predicted subjective well-being. In parallel with the present literature, this study has revealed that self-criticism has a negative effect on the subjective well-being of the individuals, whereas self-compassion and mindfulness has a positive effect. In this paper and in the light of the findings obtained from this study, it is argued that these abovementioned factors should be taken into consideration and subjective well-being intervention programs which encompass these factors should be applied in order to increase the subjective well-being of the individuals. Key Words: Subjective well-being, Life Satisfaction, Self-Criticism, Self-Compassion, Mindfulness.