Self-compassion and empathy across cultures: Comparison of young adults in China and the United States

A cross-cultural study was conducted to examine differences in self-compassion and empathy among Chinese and American undergraduates.Forty Chinese and 41 American undergraduates completed the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI).Groups did not significantly differ in overall Self-Compassion or Empathy.However, significant differences were found in the Self-Kindness, Common Humanity, Isolation, and Over-Identification SCS subscales and the Personal Distress IRI subscale (Chinese > American).American students reported significantly higher scores on the Fantasy and Empathic Concern IRI subscales.Gender differences were stable across groups.The results of this study have implications for understanding self-and other-directed pro-social attitudes, beliefs and behaviors across cultures.