Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the effects of vulnerability to emotional disorders on depression and anxiety, mediated by perceived stress, differ based on levels of self-compassion in the non-clinical population. To accomplish this, an online survey was given to individuals between the ages of 20 and 60, and the data from a total of 441 participants were analyzed. Vulnerability to emotional disorders was measured using scales for trait anxiety and emotional control. Moderated mediation effects were examined using scales for perceived stress, self-compassion, depression, and anxiety. The results showed that the vulnerability to emotional disorders variable had a significant positive correlation with perceived stress, depression, and anxiety, while having a significant negative correlation with self-compassion. More importantly, the influence of perceived stress in mediating the effects of vulnerability to emotional disorders on depression and anxiety was lower with higher levels of self-compassion. The usefulness of self-compassion in alleviating depression and anxiety in the non-clinical population was discussed. The findings are significant in terms of exploring the relationship between vulnerability to emotional disorders and depression/anxiety in a non-clinical population, as well as confirming the role of self-compassion as a resource for promoting mental health.