Self-compassion, psychological well-being, and the quality of romantic relationships: A study with Malaysian emerging adults

Abstract

Self-compassion plays a critical role in romantic relationships in that it improves relationship quality through trust, expressions of love, and commitment, leading to more satisfying relationships and well-being. Fewer studies have examined the role of self-compassion as a relationship enhancing variable, especially in the context of romantic relationships in non-Western countries such as Malaysia. The main purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between self-compassion, satisfaction in romantic relationships, and psychological well-being among young emerging adults in Malaysia. In addition, the mechanism of how self-compassion may contribute to well-being was examined by focusing on the mediating effects of trust, expression of love, and commitment. Participants were 400 Malaysians aged 18 to 25 who had been in a relationship for at least six months but were not married at the time of data collection. They completed an online survey consisting of the Self-Compassion Scale, the Trust in Close Relationships Scale, the Adapted Version of the Affection Communication Scale, the Commitment Scale, the Relationship Assessment Scale, and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. A significant positive relationship was found between self-compassion, satisfaction with romantic relationships, and psychological well-being. Participants reported high levels of trust and commitment but relatively low levels of love expression in romantic relationships. The relationship between self-compassion and romantic relationship satisfaction was confirmed by the mediating effects of trust, love expression, and commitment. This study provides a better understanding of how self-compassion contributes to romantic relationships and psychological well-being in a broader cultural context.