Self-compassion in Chinese Young Adults: Specific Features of the Construct from a Cultural Perspective

Abstract Objectives Recent research has suggested that Chinese individuals from a collectivist culture may have different understanding of self-compassion, which could differentially contribute to mental health. This study aimed obtain an in-depth insight into adults’ self-compassion. Methods Four online focus groups in undergraduates discussed the construct self-compassion based on self-kindness, self-judgment, common humanity, isolation, mindfulness, and over-identification. Thematic analysis was used analyse data. Results participants valued benign self-criticism self-reflection when contemplating their Similarly, participants’ view dimensions can be described as dialectical they reflected both negative positive perceptions each factor rather than suggesting separate purely or dimensions. There also overlap interpretation (self-judgment, over-identification). Conclusions The findings highlight particularities these students, influenced by philosophical traditions promoting dialecticism dual transformation self social participation. suggests importance cultural perspective studying interpreting relevant findings.