Can mindfulness and self-compassion protect from relational aggression and victimization in college?

Abstract

Despite the importance of peer relationships in college, limited research has explored factors protecting students from the development of relational aggression and victimization, despite evidence of the manifestation of these phenomena. This study explored associations between negative emotional states, mindfulness and self-compassion, and relational aggression and victimization in a sample of college students. It was hypothesized that facets of mindfulness and self-compassion would predict lesser relational aggression/victimization and mediate the relationship between negative emotional states and relational aggression/victimization. A total of 389 university students were recruited from United Kingdom tertiary education institutions completing measures on relational aggression and victimization, mindfulness and self-compassion, and negative emotional states. Using regression analyses, results indicated that mindfulness facets of acting with awareness and nonjudgement negatively predicted relational aggression, while acting with awareness and reverse self-isolation negatively predicted relational victimization. The findings supported the hypothesis that mindfulness facets mediated the relationship between negative emotional states and relational aggression/victimization suggesting that these processes may operate protectively. The study considers research and practice implications in colleges.