The social mentality theory of self compassion and self reassurance: The interactive effect of care seeking and caregiving
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to test social mentality theory, which views self compassion/reassurance as a form of intrapersonal relating in which the interpersonal mentalities of care seeking and caregiving are activated. Self report measures of motivations, cognitions, and behaviors related to seeking and receiving care from others were administered to 195 students. Self compassion/reassurance was predicted by the interaction of care seeking and caregiving, with the positive effect of care seeking intensified at high caregiving. As hypothesized, the combination of high care seeking and high caregiving predicted the highest level of self compassion/reassurance. The lowest level of self compassion/reassurance was predicted by the combination of low care seeking and high caregiving consistent with the concept of compulsive caregiving. Findings suggest that fostering a kinder way of relating to oneself may be achieved through more effective care seeking and caregiving with others.
The Journal of social psychology