Caring for bliss moderates the association between mindfulness, self-compassion, and well-being in college-attending emerging adults

Abstract

Ample evidence suggests that mindfulness and self-compassion are related to well-being, but little is known about the role of a new construct, caring for bliss, in these relationships. This study examined the potential moderating role of caring for bliss on the effect of mindfulness and self-compassion on well-being in college-attending emerging adults (n = 683). Well-being was examined in terms of positive (flourishing) and negative (depressive symptoms) indicators. Results show that caring for bliss enhanced the effect of high self-compassion on flourishing and compensated for the effect of low mindfulness on flourishing. Caring for bliss also buffered the effect of low mindfulness on depressive symptoms. No moderating effect was found for self-compassion on depressive symptoms. The present study highlights the importance of caring for bliss as a new human strength among college-attending emerging adults that can enhance and buffer the effect of mindfulness and self-compassion on well-being.