Compassion from others and self-compassion : the role of compassion in character strengths and flourishing among emerging adults

Abstract

Research suggests a potential relationship between character strengths, compassion from others, self-compassion, and flourishing. However, the interconnections among these variables are still not fully understood. Therefore, the primary objective of the current study was to investigate the role of compassion, specifically compassion from others and self-compassion, in relation to character strengths and flourishing among emerging adults. A total of 281 participants from Hong Kong, aged between 18 and 29, completed an online questionnaire that included demographics and measures of character strengths, compassion from others, self-compassion, and flourishing. The results of serial mediation analyses revealed a positive association between character strengths, particularly the virtues of wisdom, courage, humanity, transcendence, and justice, and compassion from others. Furthermore, compassion from others played a vital role in fostering higher levels of self-compassion, which, in turn, contributed to greater flourishing in life. These findings shed light on the interconnectedness between different virtues of character strengths, compassion from others, self-compassion, and flourishing among emerging adults. The results emphasize the importance of recognizing and cultivating one’s own character strengths, as they can facilitate both receiving care and warmth from others and engaging in self-care.