Perceived Family Rejection, Self-Compassion and Anger in Young Adults

Abstract

The present study explored the role of self-compassion as a mediator of perceived family rejection and anger among young adults in Pakistan (N = 300). By employing a cross-sectional survey questionnaire design, the primary survey tools used were the Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ), the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS- SF), and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) Anger Subscale. The analysis of relationships indicated that anger was positively associated while self- compassion was negatively associated with family rejection. Self- compassion was found to partially mediate the relationship between family rejection and anger, where the perceived rejection was found to lower self-compassion and raise anger, using SPSS PROCESS macro (Model 4). Significant gender differences were evident as females showed a higher level of perceived family rejection while males presented a higher level of self-compassion, and both genders showed no significant differences in anger. These results highlight the positive, protective role that family self- compassion plays as a mediator, a psychological barrier to distressing emotions regarding family. It is recommended that self- compassion and mindfulness-based interventions be integrated into educational and clinical practices in order to better regulate emotions and decrease anger among young adults.