The social mentality theory of self-compassion and self-reassurance: The interactive effect of care-seeking and caregiving. Issue 5 (2nd September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hermanto, Nicola; Zuroff, David Charles
• Is Part Of: Journal of social psychology. Volume 156:Issue 5(2016)
• Page Start: 523
• Page End: 535
• Publication Date: 2016-09-02
• Subjects: Caregiving -- care-seeking -- self-compassion -- self-reassurance -- social mentality; Social psychology -- Periodicals; Psychology, Social -- Periodicals; Psychologie sociale -- Périodiques; Sociale psychologie; Electronic journals; 302.05
• DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2015.1135779
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4545

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to test social mentality theory, which views self-compassion/reassurance as a form of intrapersonal relating in which the interpersonal mentalities of care-seeking and caregiving are activated. Self-report measures of motivations, cognitions, and behaviors related to seeking and receiving care from others were administered to 195 students. Self-compassion/reassurance was predicted by the interaction of care-seeking and caregiving, with the positive effect of care-seeking intensified at high caregiving. As hypothesized, the combination of high care-seeking and high caregiving predicted the highest level of self-compassion/reassurance. The lowest level of self-compassion/reassurance was predicted by the combination of low care-seeking and high caregiving consistent with the concept of compulsive caregiving. Findings suggest that fostering a kinder way of relating to oneself may be achieved through more effective care-seeking and caregiving with others.