Self-compassion mediates the relationship between mindfulness and flourishing

Introduction: An important research avenue on flourishing is to understand the predictors and mechanisms associated with flourishing. Most evidence has been reported from western countries. However, little is known about whether the relationship between self-compassion and flourishing could be explained through mindfulness in a non-western country. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the mediating role of mindfulness in the association between self-compassion and flourishing in a sample of Arabic speaking adults. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used to collect data from 396 (50% females) Arab adults recruited from general public. Participants ranged in age between 19 and 59 years with a mean age of 30.7 years (SD = 10.3). Participants completed online versions of the Self-Compassion Scale – Short Form, the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory, the Flourishing Scale. Results: The results of correlation analysis indicated significant positive correlations among self- compassion, mindfulness, and flourishing. The results of mediation analysis showed that self- compassion significantly predicted mindfulness and flourishing. Mindfulness also significantly predicted flourishing. Mediation analysis supported the hypothesis that mindfulness played a mediating role between self-compassion and flourishing. Discussion: The results suggest the importance of mindfulness in understanding the association between self-compassion and flourishing. Intervention efforts aimed at improving flourishing may benefit from increased mindfulness and self-compassion.