Self-Compassion and Student Communication Apprehension and Behavior

• In Event: 68.050 - Motivation and Emotion in Achievement Contexts

Abstract

Self-compassion refers to being kind to one’s self, feeling connected to others, and being mindfully aware of one’s experience when suffering. In this study, as college student self-compassion increased, their communication apprehension significantly decreased, and the likelihood that they would ask questions, seek help, and speak with their instructors improved. Additionally, students’ concerns with being negatively perceived by others (fear of negative evaluation) mediated the relation between self- compassion and many of the communication variables. Although the causal connection between self-compassion and these communication variables needs to be researched, it is possible that teaching self-compassion to students may decrease student communication apprehension and increase productive communication behaviors.

Authors

• Phoebe Long, The University of Texas - Austin

• Kristin Neff, University of Texas - Austin