Date of Award
3-2020
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
Department
Education
First Reader/Committee Chair
Laura Kamptner
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of early attachment on self-compassion in early adulthood utilizing a causal model to assess the mediating effects of emotional regulation and shame (Figure 1). Participants were 133 undergraduate students (143 females and 90 males) between 18 and 28 years old (M = 22.7 yrs.) from a Southern California university. Structural equation modeling (SEM) using EQS (version 6.1) was used to analyze the data. Results showed an indirect effect of early attachment on self-compassion through emotional regulation and shame; a direct, moderate effect of early attachment on emotional regulation and shame; a moderate, direct effect of shame on self-compassion; and a direct, large effect of emotional regulation on self-compassion. The results of this study suggest that the quality of the early caregiving environment influences young adults’ emotional regulation and shame proneness, which in turn impacts their capacity for self-compassion (which effects psychological, physical, and interpersonal well-being). Findings are discussed in terms of implications for clinical and school settings. Further, the findings underscore the long-term and widespread impact of the early caregiving environment on subsequent development.
Recommended Citation
Dragan, Nicoleta, "ORIGINS OF SELF-COMPASSION: THE IMPACT OF THE EARLY CAREGIVING ENVIRONMENT" (2020). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 961.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/961
Included in
Child Psychology Commons, Clinical Psychology Commons, Counseling Commons, Counseling Psychology Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons, Early Childhood Education Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Educational Psychology Commons