Effect of Self-compassion and Mindfulness on Eudaimonic Well-being

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of mindfulness and self-compassion on eudaimonic well-being of Indian university students. Only a few researchers have investigated the effects of self-compassion and mindfulness on eudaimonic well-being. Moreover, these effects have not been well understood among the Indian student population. Methods: It was hypothesized that a statistically significant correlation between self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being, and a statistically significant correlation between mindfulness and eudaimonic well-being would be obtained. The sample consisted of 133 students (Mage = 20.18; SD = 1.35) with 36.8% (n = 49) males and 63.2% (n = 84) females; 91.0% (n = 121) undergraduate students and 9.0% (n = 12) postgraduate students. Data was collected using the Questionnaire for Eudaimonic well-being (QEWB), the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the Self-compassion Scale (SCS). Multiple linear regression was used to analyse data. Results: Data analysis revealed a significantly strong relationship between the outcome variable eudaimonic well-being and the two predictor variables together, mindfulness and self-compassion (R = .54). The proportion of variance in the outcome variable which could be explained by the model (the predictor variables) was 28.6% (R2 = .286), suggesting that the model is a good predictor of the outcome variable. Conclusion: The study indicated that mindfulness and self-compassion are essential psychological and emotional resources which could prove beneficial in enhancing meaningful experiences and strengthening eudaimonia.