title: The social mentality theory of self-compassion and self-reassurance: The interactive effect of care-seeking and caregiving.
abstract: The aim of this study was to test social mentality theory, which views self-compassion/reassurance as a form of intrapersonal relating in which the interpersonal mentalities of care-seeking and caregiving are activated. Self-report measures of motivations, cognitions, and behaviors related to seeking and receiving care from others were administered to 195 students. Self-compassion/reassurance was predicted by the interaction of care-seeking and caregiving, with the positive effect of care-seeking intensified at high caregiving. As hypothesized, the combination of high care-seeking and high caregiving predicted the highest level of self-compassion/reassurance. The lowest level of self-compassion/reassurance was predicted by the combination of low care-seeking and high caregiving consistent with the concept of compulsive caregiving. Findings suggest that fostering a kinder way of relating to oneself may be achieved through more effective care-seeking and caregiving with others.
authors.affiliation: a McGill University.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hermanto
authors.affiliation: a McGill University.
authors.forename: David Charles
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Zuroff
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D000066505:Help-Seeking Behavior; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Caregiving; care-seeking; self-compassion; self-reassurance; social mentality