The mediating role of cognitive distortions in the relationship between self-compassion and self-sabotage in young adults

In this study, it was aimed to examine the cases of self-compassion, self-handicapping and cognitive distortions, the relationships between these phenomena and the mediating effect of cognitive distortions on these two variables in young adults. In addition, it was also examined whether the levels of self-compassion, self-handicapping and cognitive distortions differed according to gender, age, education level and socio-economic level. This research was carried out using the relational screening model, one of the quantitative research methods. The sample of the study consisted of 423 young adults between the ages of 18-35. The data of the study were collected online using the Personal Information Form, the Self-Compassion Scale, the Self-Sabotage Scale and the Cognitive Distortions Scale. The analysis of the collected data was made in SPSS 26 program. During the analysis of the data, Independent Sample t-Test, One-Way Analysis of Variance, Pearson Correlation analysis and regression analysis based on the Boostrap technique were performed. As a result of the research, it was determined that cognitive distortions played a mediating role in the relationship between self-compassion and self-handicapping. It was concluded that the alienation and over-identification sub-dimensions of self-compassion indirectly affect self-handicapping positively through cognitive distortion. It was found that self-handicapping levels did not differ according to gender, age, education level and socio-economic level. It was concluded that the level of cognitive distortions did not differ according to gender and education level, but differed according to age and socio-economic level. It has been determined that self-compassion does not differ according to education level and does not differ according to gender, except for self-judgment, but differs according to age and socioeconomic level. Keywords: Self-Compassion, Self-Sabotage, Cognitive Distortion, Young Adult.