@article{article_1663291, title={Self-Compassion as a Spiritual Shield: Young Adults in the Shadow of Social Appearance Anxiety}, journal={Spiritual Psychology and Counseling}, volume={10}, pages={349–366}, year={2025}, DOI={10.37898/spiritualpc.1663291}, author={Karataş, Zeki and Karataş, Duygu}, keywords={Self-compassion, social appearance anxiety, body satisfaction, university students, protective factor}, abstract={This study examined the predictive role of self-compassion on social appearance anxiety among university students, a concern heightened by social media pressures. Employing a correlational research design, the study included 402 university students recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form and the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale. Analyses revealed a moderate, negative, and significant relationship between self-compassion and social appearance anxiety (r = -.50, p < .001). A simple linear regression analysis indicated that self-compassion explained 25% of the variance in social appearance anxiety (R² = .25) and was a significant negative predictor (β = -.50). Furthermore, body dissatisfaction and self-criticism were identified as significant factors associated with higher levels of anxiety. The findings strongly support that self-compassion serves as a key psychological resource and a ’spiritual shield’ against social appearance anxiety for young adults. These results underscore the importance of implementing self-compassion-based interventions to support the mental health of young adults.}, number={3}, publisher={Halil EKŞİ}, organization={This study was supported by the Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK-1919B012313877).}