Self-Compassion, Self-Determination and Post-Traumatic Growth among Adolescents with Experience of Parental Loss

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to explore the relationships between selfdetermination, self-compassion, and post-traumatic growth among adolescents with experience of parental loss. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to study the experiences of the adolescents who suffered parental loss. A sample of 150 adolescents was selected from colleges and universities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The Self-Determination Scale (Sheldon & Deci, 1996), Self-Compassion Scale short form (Neff, 2003a), Post-Traumatic Cognitions Inventory (Foa et al., 1999) and Post- Traumatic Growth Inventory-Short Form (Aziz, 2012) were used. The result of the present study indicates significantly negative correlation between self-compassion and self-determination. Self-determination and post-traumatic growth has significantly positive relationship among adolescents with experience of parental loss and selfcompassion and post-traumatic growth has significantly positive relationship among adolescents with experience of parental loss. Relationship of demographic variables with main study variables was also explored. Results indicated that there was significant mean difference between nuclear and joint groups on self-determination and on its subscales except awareness of self. There were also significant differences between natural death and sickness group on self-determination and self-compassion but there was non-significant difference between natural death and sickness group on PTG. Stepwise regression analysis was conducted. Beta values were significant, showed that trauma, perceived choice, self-compassion and over-identification were positive predictors for post-traumatic growth. Qualitative part of the research indicated that after the traumatic event, participants needed some time to feel positive changes in their life. These positive changes include finding new possibilities and new pathways, promoting personal strength and self-reliance, strengthening of spiritual beliefs, and having an increased appreciation for life and its value. Participants tried to regulate their emotions and learning and employed coping strategies to actively accept the traumatic event as one part of their life story. Limitations and suggestions for future researches have also been mentioned.