The Effect of Self-Compassion Therapy on Students’ Learning Self-Efficacy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64420/ijcp.v2i3.368Keywords:
Self-Compassion Therapy, Students’, Learning Self-EfficacyAbstract
Background: Self-efficacy plays a vital role in students’ academic success, yet many learners struggle with low confidence when facing academic challenges. One psychological factor believed to influence self-efficacy is self-compassion, which enables students to respond positively to failure and academic pressure. Objective: This study aims to examine the effect of self-compassion on self-efficacy among students at Ensino Básico Central Lontale. Method: This study employed a quantitative approach with an ex post facto design. The population consisted of 115 students, and a sample of 54 students was selected using a proportional stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-compassion scale and a self-efficacy scale that were tested for validity and reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.758 and 0.623, respectively, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression. Result: The results showed that both self-compassion (M = 42.91, SD = 5.67) and self-efficacy (M = 55.01, SD = 5.15) fell within the medium category. Further analysis revealed that self-compassion had a positive and significant effect on self-efficacy, accounting for 55.9% of the variance (R² = 0.559, p < 0.05). Conlusion: Self-compassion is an important predictor of students’ self-efficacy in learning. Contribution: These findings contribute to educational psychology by highlighting the role of emotional regulation in enhancing academic confidence and suggesting the importance of integrating self-compassion-based interventions in school counseling programs.
References
Allen, L. M., Roberts, C., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., & Farrell, L. J. (2020). Exploring the relationship between self-compassion and body dysmorphic symptoms in adolescents. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 25, 100535. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocrd.2020.100535
Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W H Freeman/Times Books/ Henry Holt & Co.
Bluth, K., & Eisenlohr-Moul, T. A. (2017). Response to a mindful self-compassion intervention in teens: A within-person association of mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional well-being outcomes. Journal of Adolescence, 57, 108–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2017.04.001
Carvalho, L., Mourão, L., & Freitas, C. (2023). Career counseling for college students: Assessment of an online and group intervention. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 140, 103820. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2022.103820
Chen, M. F. (2015). Self-efficacy or collective efficacy within the cognitive theory of stress model: Which more effectively explains people's self-reported proenvironmental behavior?. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 42, 66-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2015.02.002
Chiovato, A., Demarzo, M., & Notargiacomo, P. (2021). Evaluation of mindfulness state for the students using a wearable measurement system. Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering, 41(5), 690-703. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40846-021-00658-4
Choi, Y. M., Lee, D. G., & Lee, H. K. (2014). The effect of self-compassion on emotions when experiencing a sense of inferiority across comparison situations. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 114, 949-953. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.12.813
Corsini, R. J., & Ozaki, B. D. (1994). Encyclopedia of psychology (Vol. 1). New York: Wiley.
Demirören, M., Turan, S., & Öztuna, D. (2016). Medical students’ self-efficacy in problem-based learning and its relationship with self-regulated learning. Medical education online, 21(1), 30049. https://doi.org/10.3402/meo.v21.30049
Flentje, Lena. (2021) The relationship between self-efficacy and self-compassion : an experience sampling study. University of Twente.
Germer, C. K., & Neff, K. D. (2013). Self-compassion in clinical practice. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(8), 856–867.
Germer, C., & Neff, K. (2019). Mindful self-compassion (MSC). In Handbook of mindfulness-based programmes (pp. 357-367). Routledge.
Germer, C.K. (2009). The Mindfull Path to Self-compassion: Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions. The Guilford Press: London
Gilbert, P dan Chris I. (2004). A Pilot Exploration of The Use of Compassionate Images A Group of Self Critical People. MEMORI, 12, 507-516.
Gilbert, P. (2020). Compassion: From its evolution to a psychotherapy. Frontiers in psychology, 11, 586161. Gilbert, P. (2010a). Compassion focused therapy: Distinctive features. London : Routledge.
Gilbert, P., & Procter, S. (2006). Compassionate mind training for people with high shame and self-criticism: Overview and pilot study of a group therapy approach. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 13(6), 353–379.
Hirsch, B., Nitzl, C., & Reemts, S. (2018). The neglected mediating role of self-efficacy in the goal setting process in local public administrations. Journal of Business Economics, 88(1), 41-63. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11573-017-0863-7
Iskender, M. (2009). The relationship between self-compassion, selfefficacy, and control belief about learning in turkish university students. Social Behavior and Personality, 37(5), 711– 720. https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.2009.37.5.711
Kashmari, A., Shahabizadeh, F., Ahi, G., & Rad, A. M. (2023). Comparing the Effectiveness of Cognitive-behavioral Therapy Combined With Self-compassion and Cognitive Motor Activities and Cognitive Motor Intervention Alone on Forgiveness and Self-compassion in the Elderly. Health, Spirituality & Medical Ethics Journal, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.32598/hsmej.10.2.460.1
Kelly, Graham, dan Chieh-Yu (2021). A Meta-Analysis of the Relation Between Self-compassion and Self- efficacy. Springer Science and Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
Larsen, L. T. (2022). Not merely the absence of disease: A genealogy of the WHO’s positive health definition. History of the Human Sciences, 35(1), 111-131. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1177/0952695121995355
Lathren, C., Bluth, K., & Park, J. (2019). Adolescent self-compassion moderates the relationship between perceived stress and internalizing symptoms. Personality and individual differences, 143, 36-41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2019.02.008
Lent, R. W., Ireland, G. W., Penn, L. T., Morris, T. R., & Sappington, R. (2017). Sources of self-efficacy and outcome expectations for career exploration and decision-making: A test of the social cognitive model of career self-management. Journal of vocational behavior, 99, 107-117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2017.01.002
Long, P., & Neff, K. D. (2018). Self-compassion is associated with reduced self-presentation concerns and increased student communication behavior. Learning and Individual Differences, 67, 223-231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2018.09.003
Lu, X., Xie, B., & Guo, Y. (2018). The trickle-down of work engagement from leader to follower: The roles of optimism and self-efficacy. Journal of Business Research, 84, 186-195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2017.11.014
Luo, Y., Meng, R., Li, J., Liu, B., Cao, X., & Ge, W. (2019). Self-compassion may reduce anxiety and depression in nursing students: a pathway through perceived stress. Public health, 174, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2019.05.015
Manavipour, D., & Saeedian, Y. (2016). The role of self-compassion and control belief about learning in university students' self-efficacy. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 5(2), 121-126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2016.02.003
Manavipour, D., & Saeedian, Y. (2016). The role of self-compassion and control belief about learning in university students' self-efficacy. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 5(2), 121-126.
McLean, S. A., Jarman, H. K., & Rodgers, R. F. (2019). How do “selfies” impact adolescents' well-being and body confidence? A narrative review. Psychology research and behavior management, 513-521. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6628890/
Neff, K. D. (2015). Self-compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. Harper Collins Publisher Neff, K.D (2003b). Self-compassion: An alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself.
Neff, K.D. (2003a). The Development and Validation of a Scale to Measure Self-compassion. Self and Identity, 2(3), 223–250. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860309027.
Neff, K. D. (2011a). Self-compassion, Self-Esteem, and Well-Being. 5(1), 1– 12. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2010.00330.x.
Pajares, F. (2012). Motivational role of self-efficacy beliefs in self-regulated learning. In Motivation and self-regulated learning (pp. 111-139). Routledge. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2008-03967-005
Pajares, F., & Schunk, D. H. 2005. Self-efficacy and self-concept beliefs: Jointly contributing to the quality of human life. Greenwich: Age Publishing.
Panadero, E., Jonsson, A., & Botella, J. (2017). Effects of self-assessment on self-regulated learning and self-efficacy: Four meta-analyses. Educational research review, 22, 74-98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2017.08.004
Seekis, V., Bradley, G. L., & Duffy, A. L. (2022). How is Trait Self-compassion Used During Appearance- Related Distress by Late Adolescents and Emerging Adults With Positive or Negative Body Image? A Qualitative Study. In Journal of Adolescent Research, 37(6). https://doi.org/10.1177/07435584211011471
Shapira, L. B., & Mongrain, M. (2010). The Benefits of Self-compassion and Optimism Exercises for Individuals Vulnerable to Depression. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 5, 377-389. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2010.516763
Souza, L. K. D., & Hutz, C. S. (2016). Self-compassion in relation to self-esteem, self-efficacy and demographical aspects. Paidéia (Ribeirão Preto), 26(64), 0181-0188.
Strauss, C., Taylor, B. L., Gu, J., Kuyken, W., Baer, R., Jones, F., & Cavanagh, K. (2016). What is compassion and how can we measure it? A review of definitions and measures. Clinical psychology review, 47, 15-27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2016.05.004
Uzuntiryaki, E. (2008). Exploring the sources of Turkish pre-service chemistry teachers' chemistry self- efficacy beliefs. Australian Journal of Teacher Education (Online), 33(6), 12-28.
Van Dinther, M., Dochy, F., & Segers, M. (2011). Factors affecting students’ self-efficacy in higher education. Educational research review, 6(2), 95-108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2010.10.003
Wispe, L. (1991). The Psychology of Sympathy. New York: Plenum.
Yarnell, L. M., & Neff, K. D. (2013). Self-compassion, interpersonal conflict resolutions, and well-being. Self and Identity, 12, 146-159. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15298868.2011.649545
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Gabriel Manek, Nuno da Conçeição Dos Santos

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms: (1) Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International. that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal; (2) Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal; (3) Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.






