Shame- and guilt-proneness and self-compassion as predictors of self-forgiveness

ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study was to examine the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between guilt–/shame-proneness and self-forgiveness. The study is based on the Hall and Fincham’s self-forgiveness model which indicated guilt and shame proneness as emotional predictors of self-forgiveness. The sample consisted of 300 participants. They completed online self-report questionnaires related to shame and guilt-proneness (TOSCA-3), self-compassion (Self-Compassion Scale) and self-forgiveness (State Self-Forgiveness Scale). The multiple mediation models were developed to assess the extent to which selfcompassion mediates the relationship between shame- and guilt –proneness and selfforgiveness. The results showed that self-compassion mediated the link between shame-proneness and self-forgiveness (Total indirect effect B=-.24 CI95% [-.331 - .164]), shame-proneness and self-forgiving feeling and action (Total indirect effect B=- .15 CI95% [-.195 -.101], and shame-proneness and self-forgiving beliefs(Total indirect effect B=-.10 CI95% [-.149 -.051]). Shame activated during a transgression leads to less understanding, forbearance and compassion toward oneself. This attitude inhibits self-forgiveness.