Citation

Shahzadi, Shazia and Ahmed, Elsadig Musa (2026) The mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between social rejection and self-esteem among university students in Pakistan. Acta Psychologica, 269. p. 107457. ISSN 00016918

Text 1.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (460kB)

Abstract

This study examined the associations among social rejection, self-compassion, and self-esteem among university students in Pakistan. Drawing on Sociometer Theory as a general conceptual framework, the study explored whether self-compassion was indirectly associated with the link between perceived social rejection and selfesteem. A cross-sectional design was employed with a convenience sample of 301 students recruited from public and private universities in Pakistan. Participants completed the Social Rejection Scale, the Short Form of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-SF), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, hierarchical regression, and bootstrapped mediation analyses. Social rejection was negatively associated with both self-compassion and self-esteem, whereas self-compassion was positively associated with self-esteem. The indirect association between social rejection and self-esteem through self-compassion was statistically significant and consistent with a pattern of partial mediation. However, given the cross-sectional design, the findings should be interpreted as patterns of association rather than evidence of causal relationships. The magnitude of the indirect association was modest, suggesting that additional psychological processes may also be relevant to understanding how individuals respond to experiences of social rejection. Although the study was conducted among Pakistani university students, cultural variables were not directly measured. Consequently, cultural interpretations should be understood as contextual considerations rather than as evidence of culturally specific mechanisms. Overall, the findings suggest that social rejection, self-compassion, and selfesteem are related in ways that are broadly consistent with existing theoretical perspectives and prior empirical research. Future studies employing longitudinal, multi-method, and culturally informed approaches may help clarify the direction and nature of these associations.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Social rejection, Self-compassion
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
Divisions:	Faculty of Business (FOB)
Depositing User:	Ms Rosnani Abd Wahab
Date Deposited:	31 Jul 2026 05:39
Last Modified:	31 Jul 2026 05:39
URII:	http://shdl.mmu.edu.my/id/eprint/16402

Downloads

Edit (login required)