title: Exploring self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being in young women athletes.
abstract: Using a mixed methods research design, we explored self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being in young women athletes. In a quantitative study (n = 83), we found that self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being were positively related (r = .76, p < .01). A model of multiple mediation was proposed, with self-compassion, passivity, responsibility, initiative, and self-determination accounting for 83% of the variance in eudaimonic well-being. In a qualitative study (n = 11), we explored when and how self-compassion might be useful in striving to reach one's potential in sport. Self-compassion was described as advantageous in difficult sport-specific situations by increasing positivity, perseverance, and responsibility, as well as decreasing rumination. Apprehensions about fully embracing a self-compassionate mindset in sport warrant additional research to explore the seemingly paradoxical role of self-compassion in eudaimonic well-being.
authors.affiliation: College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
authors.forename: Leah J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Ferguson
authors.forename: Kent C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Kowalski
authors.forename: Diane E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Mack
authors.forename: Catherine M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Sabiston
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D056352:Athletes / Q000523:psychology*; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000523:psychology; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010551:Personality; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012647:Self-Assessment; D013177:Sports / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult