Self-compassion is associated with hedonic and eudaimonic well-being through basic psychological needs: The key roles of autonomy and competence

Although the link between self-compassion and well-being is already established, its mechanisms are still being investigated. The present study ( N = 517, general population) used linear regressions and exploratory indirect-effect models to test whether satisfaction and frustration of basic psychological needs could potentially mediate the relationships of positive and negative aspects of self-compassion (compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding) with hedonic and eudaimonic well-being (life satisfaction and psychological well-being, respectively). Both satisfaction and frustration of basic psychological needs acted as potential mechanisms linking positive and negative aspects of self-compassion with hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. When basic psychological needs were included as separate scores, autonomy and competence emerged as the primary linking pathways, suggesting that self-compassionate individuals perceive their actions as more self-directed, aligned with their values, and effective in their environment, thereby contributing to well-being. These findings emphasize the importance of designing self-compassion interventions that also bolster basic psychological need satisfaction.