Loneliness and Depression: Contrasting the Buffering Effects of Self-Compassion and Self-Esteem

Abstract

Objective. Several studies have established a positive association between loneliness and depression. This thesis builds on previous work by testing and contrasting the potential moderating influences of self-compassion and self-esteem. Methods. This study employed original survey data collected from 101 undergraduate students enrolled in a large public university in the southwestern United States. Focal variables included multi-item measures of loneliness, depressive symptoms, self-compassion, self-esteem, and a range of sociodemographic characteristics. Ordinary least squares regression was used to model continuous depressive symptoms as a function of predictor variables. Cross-product interaction terms (loneliness*selfcompassion and loneliness*self-esteem) were used to assess moderation. Results. Consistent with previous research, loneliness was positively associated with depressive symptoms. This association was moderated by self-compassion such that loneliness was less depressing at higher levels of self-compassion. The association between loneliness and depressive symptoms did not vary according to level of self-esteem. In other words, the mental health consequences of loneliness were comparable for respondents with higher or lower levels of self-esteem. Conclusion. Although loneliness was associated with higher levels of depression, this association was less pronounced for respondents who reported being more self-compassionate or accepting and understanding of themselves. In contrast, simply having higher self-esteem or a positive selfattitude failed to buffer the effects of loneliness.