Self-compassion as a buffer against concrete but not abstract threat

Abstract

Terror management theory posits that validation of self-esteem is a major defense mechanism in keeping mortal concerns at bay. Yet, self-esteem often leads to devaluation of others. Self-compassion (SC) is an alternative, more inclusive construct than self-esteem. We explored among 125 university students whether SC serves as a defense mechanism from abstract and concrete threats responses, utilizing a dot-probe task and mortality salience priming. Although SC was not associated with avoidance of abstract threats, it was associated with avoidance of concrete threats. These findings underscore the potential role of SC in coping with trauma and in shielding from developing post-traumatic symptoms.