A comparison of self-compassion and mindfulness in predicting psychological distress, health status, and well-being

Mindfulness continues to generate interest from researchers and clinicians alike due to its established associations with health and well-being. Despite growing literature supporting the utility of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), it remains unclear whether psychological processes related to mindfulness (e.g., having a compassionate attitude toward oneself and one's internal experiences) are mediating improvements that occur with treatment, or if they function as significant predictors of change independently. The present study sought to compare the ability of mindfulness and self-compassion in predicting psychological distress symptom severity, health status, and well-being by utilizing a single time point and short-term longitudinal design. Data was collected from undergraduate students who were later separated into cross-sectional (N= 604) and one-point prospective groups (N = 97). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that while self-compassion emerged as a significant independent indicator of health outcomes and well-being cross-sectionally, the Act with Awareness and Nonjudge facets of the FFMQ emerged as superior prospective predictors of anxiety and well-being, respectively. Findings suggest that attitudinal factors, such as a compassionate and nonjudgmental stance toward one's thoughts, feelings, and sensations, may be more influential in promoting positive health and well-being than focused attention and observation of one's internal experiences.