(PS10-B27) Self Compassion and Self Esteem Mediate the Relationship Between Parental Validation and Stress

Title: Self Compassion and Self Esteem Mediate the Relationship Between Parental Validation and Stress

Huei Ming Lim, Yilin Li, Sarah Mann, Danika Petit, and Marcus A. Rodriguez

Abstract body: 

Background: Prior research has suggested that childhood invalidation is related to stress. When parents invalidate the feelings of their children it may lower their self-esteem and self-compassion. This in turn makes it harder for them to process and relieve feelings of stress later in life. This study investigates how the variables of self-esteem and self-compassion mediate the relationship between (positive and negative) parental validation and stress levels among Chinese college students currently studying in China. 

Methods: 46 students from 2 universities in Beijing completed a pre-treatment self-report survey that measured levels of positive and negative parental validation as well as levels of self-compassion, self-esteem, and overall stress. These results were compiled in SPSS and were processed using Baron & Kenny Causal Steps and Sobel's Test for exploring mediation effects through bivariate and multiple regression. 

Results: Mediation analysis using Baron & Kenny Causal Steps Approach followed with a Sobel's Test demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between parental validation and stress. It also found statistically significant relationships between self-esteem and stress, as well as self-compassion and stress. Self-compassion was found to explain a significant partial mediation effect in the relationship between parental validation and stress. 

  


Discussion: This study contributes to the discussion surrounding the importance of parental validation and how it affects a child’s ability to process stressful feelings and situations. These findings suggest that the formation of self-compassion and self-esteem in childhood are important factors for an individual's mental health in the future. Further study on this topic is still needed and should examine whether parental validation would be a significant mediator of self-esteem/self-compassion and stress.

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