Influence of Self-Compassion, Self-Reflection, and Insight on Interpersonal Competence in Emerging Adults

Social relationships have been declining over the years, especially after the pandemic. Therefore, it becomes important to understand what influences one’s social relationships. The present study investigated the influence of self-compassion, self-reflection, and insight on interpersonal competence among emerging adults. It also aimed to understand if having a psychology background in education and experience of therapy is associated with the participants’ levels of self-compassion, self-reflection, and insight. Using convenience sampling, a sample of N = 335 undergraduate and postgraduate students was selected to answer the Self-Compassion Scale Short Form, Self-Reflection and Insight Scale, and Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire that were circulated electronically along with a consent form. Statistical analysis using Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression indicated that self-compassion, self-reflection, and insight each have positive relationships with interpersonal competence with self-compassion and self-reflection together significantly predicting 13.5% variance in interpersonal competence. Analysis using independent samples t-test indicated that there are significant differences in self-reflection and insight scores between those who have experience in psychology education and therapy and those who lack them. These findings strengthen the understanding that aspects of oneself are related to their social relationships and strengths and problems in one domain could be linked to the same in others. Future research can focus on developing interventions aimed at improving interpersonal competence through self-compassion and self-reflection. Further, influence of other aspects of self on interpersonal competence can also be explored to strengthen the proposed theory of relationship between self and others.