Keywords
self-compassion
cognitive flexibility
How to Cite
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the role of cognitive flexibility as a mediator in the relationship between self-compassion and anxiety. The research explores the association between self-compassion and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, it investigates cognitive flexibility role in this process, proposing that self-compassion might increase cognitive flexibility, which could which in turn could reduce anxiety levels. The study sample consists of 355 participants (251 female and 104 male) aged between 18 and 54 years old (M = 24.17, SD = 5.92). The Demographic Information Form, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Cognitive Flexibility Inventory and Self-Compassion Scale were used to collect data. The mediating role of cognitive flexibility was examined by PROCESS macro. The results showed that cognitive flexibility is a mediator between self-compassion and anxiety symptoms. The effect of self-compassion on anxiety is still significant in this relationship. Findings suggest that both self-compassion and cognitive flexibility are valuable to reducing anxiety. The implications of all results are discussed.
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