Self-Compassion and Perceived Social Support as Moderators of Depressive Symptoms Following Relationship Dissolution

Abstract

Breaking up relationships can be a major psychological stressor, and can increase symptoms of depression, emotional distress and adjustment to life changes. But, people react differently to the loss of a romantic partner, which may mean that personal and interpersonal resources can impact post-breakup adjustment. The purpose of this study is to explore the moderating effects of self-compassion and perceived social support in the relationship between relationship dissolution and depressive symptoms. Self-compassion could potentially help people engage with emotional distress in a more compassionate way, which may lead to less self-criticism, and perceived social support may provide reassurance, a sense of belonging, and emotional support when facing emotional distress. This study will have an adult quantitative research design with adults who have gone through a relationship break. Standardized assessment of depressive symptoms, self-compassion, and perceived social support will be used to collect data. The statistical analysis will test if the relationship between dissolution-related distress and depressive symptoms is mediated by self-compassion and/or perceived social support independently or together. The study aims to help understand the psychological resources related to adjusting to the loss of a relationship and identify how self-compassion and social connectedness can be supported through interventions to enhance these resources. The results might have application in counselling and mental health services related to problems in relationships.