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. 2025 Jun 3:16:1510987.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1510987. eCollection 2025.

A mixed methods exploration of the interrelationships among self-compassion, stress management, psychological capital, and life satisfaction in Chinese university students

Ping Huang  1 , Zhenxing Lin  1 , BingRu Wang  2 , Zhou Du  3
Affiliations

A mixed methods exploration of the interrelationships among self-compassion, stress management, psychological capital, and life satisfaction in Chinese university students

Ping Huang et al. Front Psychol. .

Abstract

Introduction: This study explored the interrelationships between self-compassion, stress management, psychological capital (PsyCap), and life satisfaction among Chinese university students.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed. The quantitative phase involved 478 students from six universities, with data analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test hypothesized direct and indirect relationships among the variables. The qualitative phase included semi-structured interviews with a subsample of 30 participants.

Results: SEM results indicated that self-compassion and stress management positively influenced life satisfaction, both directly and indirectly, with PsyCap (comprising resilience, optimism, and self-efficacy) acting as a key mediator. PsyCap was strongly associated with higher life satisfaction. Multi-group SEM analyses showed no significant gender differences in the relationships among the variables. Qualitative findings offered deeper insights into students' experiences, highlighting challenges in balancing self-compassion with cultural and academic pressures, and confirmed PsyCap's role as a protective factor.

Discussion: The findings emphasize the importance of promoting self-compassion, adaptive stress management strategies, and psychological capital to enhance the well-being of university students, particularly in high-stress academic environments.

Keywords: emotional resilience; life satisfaction; mixed-methods; psychological capital; self-compassion; stress management; structural equation modeling.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
The hypothesized model.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
The final model of life satisfaction.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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