Prevalence and predictors of self-compassion in Chinese parents: A cross-sectional study

Objectives: Parental self-compassion is associated with better overall well-being. Increasingly, studies have developed and evaluated self-compassion programmes for parents; however, little is known about the proportion of parents with low self-compassion and which groups are most at risk, particularly in Chinese populations. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of self-compassion among Chinese parents and to identify sociodemographic predictors of self-compassion in this group.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 106 parent–child dyads recruited from 13 primary schools and community centres in Hong Kong. Parents’ self-compassion, mindful parenting, as well as children’s self-compassion was measured using validated questionnaires. Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression were used to examine associations and identify predictors.
Results: Of the parent participants, most were female (87.7%) and aged 41–50 years (54.7%). The mean age of children was 8.34 years (SD = 1.38), and 55.7% were male. Moderate-to-low self-compassion levels were prevalent among parents (66%). Educational level was a significant predictor of parental self-compassion (β = −0.226, p = 0.038), with higher educational levels associated with lower self-compassion. Parental self-compassion was strongly positively correlated with mindful parenting (r = 0.623, p < .001). Higher parental self-compassion (r = 0.128, p = 0.194) and mindful parenting (r = 0.147, p = 0.134) were associated with higher children’s self-compassion.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the need to adopt strategies to promote self-compassion among parents, particularly those with higher educational levels. Enhancing parental self-compassion is important not only for protecting parents’ own wellbeing but also for supporting the development of self-compassion and wellbeing in their children.

Wai Man Sin is a registered nurse with extensive clinical experience across diverse healthcare settings. Drawing on this practice background, she currently works as a nurse educator and researcher, contributing to the development of evidence-based nursing practice and education. To further advance her research capacity, Ms Sin is pursuing a PhD with a focus on child health and self-compassion. Her work aims to enhance the wellbeing of children and families by integrating self-compassion into child health care, parenting, and professional nursing practice, and by building capacity for compassionate, evidence-informed approaches in nursing education and clinical care.