Self-Compassion Indirectly Benefit Romantic Relationship Quality Via Active Coping During Conflicts

Self-compassion means extending compassion and kindness toward oneself when facing adversities or sufferings.Large numbers of past findings have supported the intrapersonal benefits of self-compassion.However,less is known about its impact on interpersonal relationships.This current study aims at investigating the effect of self-compassion on active coping in romantic relationship conflicts,as well as its subsequent relationship implications.We conducted three study to address these research questions.Using a cross-sectional survey method,study 1 measured participants' trait self-compassion,trait conflict active coping,and trait relationship satisfaction and analyzed their relationships.Results indicate self-compassion can predict higher levels of active coping,and via active coping,it can indirectly predict higher levels of relationship satisfaction.Using a daily diary method,study 2A measured participants' trait self-compassion,daily conflict active coping,and daily relationship satisfaction across 14 consecutive days and analyzed their relationships.Study 2A replicated results of Study 1 in a daily life context.Using a longitudinal method,study 2B additionally measured study 2A participants' trait relationship satisfaction and commitment six months after they finished study 2A and analyzed relationships between trait self-compassion,daily active coping,and 6-month later trait relationship satisfaction and commitment.Results indicate self-compassion can predict higher levels of active coping,and via active coping,it indirectly predicts higher levels of relationship satisfaction and commitment.In sum,these studiesrepetitively show self-compassion can predict higher levels of active coping,and via active coping,it can predict higher levels of relationship satisfaction and relationship commitment,which further promotes our understanding about the interpersonal implication of self-compassion.