Linking Self-compassion to Suicidal Ideation: Mediating Effects of Resilience and Moderating Effects of Social Support in Emerging Adult

Abstract

Background: Emerging adulthood is a critical period marked by significant life changes and psychological challenges, including an increased risk of mental health issues and suicidal ideation. This study explores the interaction between self-compassion, resilience, and social support in reducing suicidal thoughts among young adults. Self-compassion plays a crucial role in enhancing mental well-being, resilience aids individuals in coping with emotional challenges, and social support can amplify the positive effects of self-compassion on reducing suicidal ideation. Objectives: The present study aims to investigate how social support moderates and resilience mediates the relationship between self-compassion and suicidal ideation among emerging adults. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Self-compassion Scale (SCS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Social Provision Scale (SPS), and Revised-Suicidal Ideation Scale (R-SIS). Data were collected from 309 emerging adults (ages 18 - 29) in Indonesia in 2024 through an online survey. Participants were informed about the study’s purpose and their rights to ensure ethical consent. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 26.0 with Hayes PROCESS Macro Model 8. Results: The results indicated that self-compassion was positively related to resilience (Coef = 0.24, P < 0.001) and negatively related to suicidal ideation (Coef = -0.25, P < 0.001). Resilience was also negatively associated with suicidal ideation (Coef = -0.37, P < 0.001). Social support strengthened the relationship between self-compassion and suicidal ideation (Coef = 0.02, P < 0.001), and resilience mediated the relationship between self-compassion and suicidal ideation (Coef = -0.09). This suggests that self-compassion can enhance resilience, thereby reducing suicidal ideation. Conclusions: The study indicated that self-compassion enhances resilience and reduces suicidal ideation, with social support further strengthening this relationship. The findings suggest that mental health interventions incorporating self-compassion and social support may be more effective in preventing suicidal ideation. This study also highlights the need for further research using more representative sampling techniques to obtain generalizable results.