The Mediating Role of Self-Compassion on the Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Sportive Life Satisfaction Among High School Student-Athletes
Abstract
Student-athletes strive for success both in their theoretical courses and athletic training. This dual demand for achievement coupled with adverse conditions such as injury or competition stress may negatively affect the well-being of adolescent student-athletes who are in a critical stage of development in their lives. Self-esteem and self-compassion are two important constructs directly related to students’ subjective well-being and life satisfaction. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-esteem and life satisfaction among high school student-athletes as well as the potential mediating role of self-compassion in this relationship. Data were obtained using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Athlete Self-Compassion Scale Short Form, and the Sportive Life Satisfaction Scale. In a mediation analysis conducted on 196 adolescent student-athletes, self-esteem was found to positively predict sportive life satisfaction both directly and indirectly through self-compassion. Self-compassion was found to be a significant predictor of sportive life satisfaction. The mediating effect explained 19.51% of the total effect. In conclusion, it is suggested that educational administrators and developmental psychologists should consider not only targeting self-esteem but also promoting self-compassion through structured psychological skills training to enhance student-athletes’ life satisfaction.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Sports Science and Exercise (Other)
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Early Pub Date
July 7, 2026
Publication Date
July 31, 2026
Submission Date
August 28, 2025
Acceptance Date
March 8, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 21 Number: 2