The Relationship between Self-Esteem and Subjective Well-Being of College Students: The Mediating Role of Self-Compassion

Abstract
Objective: To explore the role of self-compassion in the relationship between self-esteem and subjective well-being of college students, so as to provide practical suggestions for improving the subjective well-being of college students. Methods: A survey of 814 college students was conducted using the Self-Esteem Scale, Self-Compassion Scale and Subjective Well-Being Questionnaire to examine the relationship between subjective well-being and self-esteem and self-compassion, as well as the mediating role of self-compassion between self-esteem and subjective well-being. Results: 1) Self-esteem was significantly positively correlated with self-compassion (r = 0.688, p < 0.001) and subjective well-being (r = 0.729, p < 0.001), and self-compassion was significantly positively correlated with subjective well-being (r = 0.698, p < 0.001). 2) The Bootstrap test results show that the direct effect of self-esteem on subjective well-being [1.031, 95%CI (0.901, 1.161)], the indirect effect mediated by self-compassion is [0.571, 95%CI (0.468, 0.678)]. Conclusion: The results show that self-esteem, self-compassion and subjective well-being are positively correlated, and self-compassion partially mediates the relationship between self-esteem and subjective well- being.