Early-Life Negative Experiences and Self-Compassion as Predictors of Social-Emotional Loneliness in Female University Students

Year 2025, Volume: 15 Issue: 76, 49 - 61, 31.03.2025

Raziye Yüksel Doğan , Emre Yıldız , Fatma Elif Ergin

Abstract

This research aims to gain insight into the role of early-life negative experiences and self-compassion as predictors of social-emotional loneliness in female university students. This cross-sectional study included 216 students (mean=21.36, SD=3.58) aged between 17-29 years enrolled in the Faculties of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Nursing and Health Sciences of a state university. The data were collected using the Early Life Experiences Scale, Self-Compassion Scale, and Social-Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults. The findings indicate a moderately positive and significant link between social-emotional loneliness and early-life negative experiences, along with a weak, negative yet significant association between social-emotional loneliness and self-compassion. Moreover, 17% of the variance in social-emotional loneliness is accounted for by early-life negative experiences and self-compassion.

Keywords

social-emotional loneliness, ; self-compassion, early life negative experience

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