A Mediating Role of Hope in the Relationship between Self-Compassion and Life Satisfaction; a non-Interventional Study

Introduction: Evidence suggests that self-compassion affects life satisfaction and overall cognitive assessments of life. Although the relationship between self-compassion and life satisfaction has been examined, there are few studies on the mediating mechanism of this relationship. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the mediating role of hope in the relationship between self-compassion and life satisfaction. Materials and methods: The present study was descriptive and correlation type. Among undergraduate students of Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, 250 students were selected through multistage cluster sampling and completed Hope Scale, Self-Compassion Scale and Satisfaction with life scale. The collected data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and structural equation modeling. Results: The results showed that the self-compassion has a direct, positive and significant correlation with life satisfaction (β=0.527) (P<0.01); self- compassion has a direct, positive and significant correlation with hope (β=0.453) (P<0.01); and hope has a direct, positive and significant correlation with life satisfaction (β=0.445) (P<0.01). Also, the results of the Sobel test showed that hope has a mediator role in the relationship between self-compassion and life satisfaction (β=0.445) (P<0.01). Conclusion: The present study emphasizes the direct role of self-compassion on life satisfaction and the mediating role of hope as an important mechanism in the relationship between self-compassion and life satisfaction. Therefore, improving self-compassion and hope can be a good way to support individuals in everyday life and increases their positive assessments of their lives.