Research Article

Self-Compassion as a Spiritual Shield: Young Adults in the Shadow of Social Appearance Anxiety

Volume: 10 Number: 3 October 1, 2025
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Self-Compassion as a Spiritual Shield: Young Adults in the Shadow of Social Appearance Anxiety

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.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This study was supported by the Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK-1919B012313877).

Project Number

TUBITAK-1919B012313877

Ethical Statement

Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Social and Human Sciences Ethics Committee Date: (29.05.2024) approved the research [Approval Number: 2024/227]. This study conforms to the ethical guidelines of the1975 Declaration of Helsinki.

Thanks

We would like to thank TUBITAK for their support.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Psychology of Religion , Social and Personality Psychology (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

October 1, 2025

Submission Date

March 22, 2025

Acceptance Date

September 9, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 10 Number: 3

APA
Karataş, Z., & Karataş, D. (2025). Self-Compassion as a Spiritual Shield: Young Adults in the Shadow of Social Appearance Anxiety. Spiritual Psychology and Counseling, 10(3), 349-366. https://doi.org/10.37898/spiritualpc.1663291