SavedAdd your journal

Journals / Sağlık Akademisyenleri Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 13 Sayı: 2

Turkish women’s happiness levels: Relationship with self-compassion and psychological flexibility

Türk kadınlarının mutluluk düzeyleri: Öz-şefkat ve psikolojik esneklik ile ilişkisi

Duygu Özer(BARTIN ÜNİVERSİTESİ, SAĞLIK BİLİMLERİ FAKÜLTESİ)0000-0001-5800-5099
Özlem Şahin Altun(ATATÜRK ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0001-6727-6480
Leyla Altun(ATATÜRK ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0003-1064-3977
Pages
332–345
Publication Date
2026-06-30
🏛️Bibliographic metadata and full text access for this article are provided via DergiPark.
DergiPark Record ↗
✨

AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Results: The findings indicated a moderate negative correlation between SCS and AAQ-II scores (r=-.558, p .05).

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationships among self-compassion, psychological flexibility, and happiness in women, with a particular focus on the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between psychological flexibility and happiness.
📊
Key Findings & Data:Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted between April and June 2024 using a snowball sampling method, with a sample of 404 adult women residing in Türkiye.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:Results: The findings indicated a moderate negative correlation between SCS and AAQ-II scores (r=-.558, p .05).
🔬Design:Survey & Empirical Study
📍Scope:2024 Verileri
⚙️Variables:Kadın · öz-şefkat · psikolojik esneklik

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationships among self-compassion, psychological flexibility, and happiness in women, with a particular focus on the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between psychological flexibility and happiness. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted between April and June 2024 using a snowball sampling method, with a sample of 404 adult women residing in Türkiye. Data were gathered using the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire-Short Form (OHS). Statistical analyses comprised Pearson’s correlation and Hayes’s PROCESS macro (Model 4). Results: The findings indicated a moderate negative correlation between SCS and AAQ-II scores (r=-.558, p .05). Mediation analysis demonstrated that the relationship between psychological inflexibility (AAQ-II) and happiness (OHS) was entirely mediated by self-compassion (SCS), which explained 16.3% of the variance (R² = .163; p < .001). Additionally, SCS scores accounted for 33.2% of the variance in AAQ-II scores and 19.8% in OHS scores. Conclusion: Higher self-compassion among women was associated with greater psychological flexibility and increased happiness. These findings highlight the importance of integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness-based therapies and psychoeducational approaches to foster self-compassion in women.

Özet

Amaç: Bu çalışmada, kadınlarda öz-şefkat, psikolojik esneklik ve mutluluk arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi ve psikolojik esneklik ile mutluluk arasındaki ilişkide öz-şefkatin aracılık rolünün değerlendirilmesi amaçlandı. Gereç ve yöntem: Bu çalışma, Nisan-Haziran 2024 tarihleri arasında Türkiye’de yaşayan 404 yetişkin kadın ile kartopu örnekleme yöntemi kullanılarak yürütülen tanımlayıcı, kesitsel ve analitik bir araştırmadır. Veriler Öz-Anlayış Ölçeği (ÖAÖ), Kabul ve Eylem Formu-II (KEF-II) ve Oxford Mutluluk Ölçeği-Kısa Formu (OMÖ) kullanılarak toplandı. İstatistiksel analizlerde Pearson korelasyon analizi ve Hayes’in PROCESS makrosu (Model 4) kullanıldı. Bulgular: ÖAÖ ile KEF-II arasında orta düzeyde negatif ilişki (r=- ,558; p ,05). Aracılık analizinde, psikolojik katılığın (KEF-II) mutluluk (OHS) üzerindeki etkisinin öz-şefkat (ÖAÖ) aracılığıyla tamamen dolaylı olduğu ve bu modelin varyansın %16,3’ünü açıkladığı saptandı (R² = 0,163; p <0,001). Ayrıca, ÖAÖ puanlarının KEF-II toplam puanındaki varyansın %33,2’sini, OHS toplam puanındaki varyansın ise %19,8’ini açıkladığı belirlendi. Sonuç: Kadınların öz-şefkat düzeylerinin yüksek olması, daha fazla psikolojik esneklik ve artan mutluluk ile ilişkili olduğu belirlenmiştir. Bu bulgular, kadınlarda öz-şefkati ve psikolojik esnekliği geliştirmek amacıyla Kabul ve Kararlılık Terapisi, farkındalık temelli terapiler ve psikoeğitim gibi yaklaşımların önemini vurgulamaktadır.

🔖

Cite This Article

Özer, D., Altun, Ö. Ş., Altun, L. (2026). Turkish women’s happiness levels: Relationship with self-compassion and psychological flexibility. Sağlık Akademisyenleri Dergisi, Cilt: 13 Sayı: 2, 332–345. https://doi.org/10.52880/sagakaderg.1806756

📄 Full Text PDF Viewer

📄

PDF görüntüleyici hazırlanıyor...

References (50)

  1. Atak, H., Tatlı, C.E., Çokamay, G., Büyükpabuşcu, H., Çok, F. (2016). Transition to adulthood: A theoretical review in the context of demographic criteria in Türkiye. Current Approaches in Psychiatry, 8, 204 - 227. https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.238184
  2. Aygün, E. G., Sancak, B., & Özer, Ü. (2022). Relationship of self-compassion with anxiety and depressive symptoms in infertile women. Acıbadem University Journal of Health Sciences,13, 256-261. https://doi.org/10.31067/acusaglik.1050692
  3. Battal, S., Apay, S.E. (2022). Comparison of jealousy and happiness of women with different social status. TJFMPC, 16, 265-273. https://doi.org/10.21763/tjfmpc.1009440
  4. Blanchflower, D. G., & Bryson, A. (2024). The female happiness paradox. Journal of Population Economics, 37, 16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00148-024-00981-5
  5. Bond, F. W., Hayes, S. C., Baer, R. A., Carpenter, K. M., Guenole, N., Orcutt, H. K., Waltz, T., & Zettle, R. D. (2011). Preliminary psychometric properties of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II: A revised measure of psychological inflexibility and experiential avoidance. Behavior Therapy, 42, 676-688. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2011.03.007
  6. Boykin. D., Himmericha. S., Pinciottia.C, Millera. L., Mironb. L., & Orcutta. H., (2018). Barriers to self-compassion for female survivors of childhood maltreatment: The roles of fear of self-compassion and psychological inflexibility. Child Abuse & Neglect, 76, 216-224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.11.003
  7. Brassell, A. A., Rosenberg, E., Parent, J., Rough, J. N., Fondacaro, K., & Seehuus, M. (2016). Parent’s psychological flexibility: Associations with parenting and child psychosocial well-being. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 5, 111–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2016.03.001
  8. Coşansu, E. (2014). Correlation tests. In S. Erdoğan, N. Nahcivan, M.N. Esin (Eds.), Research in Nursing: Process, Practice and Critical (pp. 152-159). Nobel Tıp Kitabevleri, 4th edition, Ankara.
  9. Çakır, Ö. (2008). Exclusion of women from working life in Türkiye. Erciyes University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences Journal, 31, 25-47.
  10. Carbonneau, N., Cantin, M., Barbeau, K., Lavigne, G., & Lussier, Y. (2021). Self-compassion as a mediator of the relationship between adult women’s attachment and intuitive eating. Nutrients, 13, 3124. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13093124
  11. Çelebi, G., Çelebi, B. (2020). Examination of happiness levels of individuals in terms of various variables. ARHUSS, 3, 179-189.
  12. Çoban, Y. (2021). Analyzing the Relationship between Self-Compassion and Relationship Satisfaction. Muş Alparslan University Faculty of Education Journal, 1(2), 128-139.
  13. De Souza, L. K., & Hutz, C. S. (2016). Self-compassion in relation to self-esteem, self-efficacy and demographical aspects. Paideia, 26, 181-188. https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-43272664201604
  14. de Wet, A. J., Lane, B. R., & Mulgrew, K. E. (2020). A randomised controlled trial examining the effects of self-compassion meditations on women’s body image. Body Image, 35, 22-29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.07.009
  15. Doğan, T., & Çötok, A. (2011). Adaptation of the short form of the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire into Turkish: A validity and reliability study. Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal, 4, 165-170.
  16. Eke, A., Adam, M., Kowalski, K., & Ferguson, L. (2020). Narratives of adolescent women athletes’ body self-compassion, performance and emotional well-being. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 12, 175-191. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2019.1628805
  17. Engin Deniz, M., Kesici, Ş., & Serkan Sümer, A. (2008). The validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Self-Compassion Scale. Social Behavior and Personality, 36, 1151-1160. https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.2008.36.9.1151
  18. George, D., & Mallery, M. (2010). SPSS for Windows step by step: A simple guide and reference, 17.0 update (10a ed.). Pearson.
  19. Gerber, Z., Tolmacz, R., & Doron, Y. (2015). Self-compassion and forms of concern for others. Personality and Individual Differences, 86, 394-400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2015.06.052
  20. Giray Yakut, S., Bacaksız, N. E., & Camkıran, C. (2021). Socio-demographic determinants of happiness in Türkiye. Business & Management Studies: An International Journal, 9, 561-578. https://doi.org/10.15295/bmij.v9i2.1801
  21. Hayes, S. C., Luoma, J. B., Bond, F. W., Masuda, A., & Lillis, J. (2006). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Model, processes and outcomes. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44, 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2005.06.006
  22. Hills, P., & Argyle, M. (2002). The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire: A compact scale for the measurement of psychological well-being. Personality and Individual Differences, 33, 1073-1082. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0191-8869(01)00213-6
  23. Houston, E. E., Brown, L., Jones, K. M., Amonoo, H. L., & Bryant, C. (2023). Does self-compassion explain variance in sleep quality in women experiencing hot flushes? Maturitas, 172, 39-45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.04.003
  24. Howell, A. J., & Demuynck, K. M. (2021). Psychological flexibility and psychological inflexibility are independently associated with both hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 20, 163-171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2021.04.002
  25. Imiroğlu, A., Demir, R., & Murat, M. (2021). Cognitive flexibility, mindfulness and hope as predictors of psychological well-being. Electronic Journal of Social Sciences, 20, 2037-2057. https://doi.org/10.17755/esosder.859555
  26. Inam, A., Fatima, H., Naeem, H., Mujeeb, H., Khatoon, R., Wajahat, T., Andrei, L. C., Starčević, S., & Sher, F. (2021). Self‐compassion and empathy as predictors of happiness among late adolescents. Social Sciences, 10, 380. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci10100380
  27. Kashdan, T. B., & Rottenberg, J. (2010). Psychological flexibility as a fundamental aspect of health. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 865-878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2010.03.001
  28. Kıvrak, Z. (2021). An examination of the relationship between perceived parenting styles, self-compassion and self-disgust. Istanbul Gelişim University, Institute of Social Sciences, Unpublished Master Thesis, Istanbul.
  29. Koyuncu, A.B. (2019). The effect of subjective happiness and relational happiness on marital satisfaction in married individuals. Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Institute of Social Sciences, Unpublished Master Thesis, Istanbul.
  30. Kurnaz Sönmez, Ş. (2023). The mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between emotion regulation and marital satisfaction in married individuals. Kırıkkale University, Social Sciences Institute, Unpublished Master Thesis, Kırıkkale.
  31. Lucas, J. J., & Moore, K. A. (2020). Psychological flexibility: Positive implications for mental health and life satisfaction. Health Promotion International, 35, 312-320. https://doi.org/10.1093/HEAPRO/DAZ036
  32. Maharlouei, N., Cobb, S., Bazargan, M., & Assari, S. (2020). Subjective health and happiness in the United States: Gender differences in the effects of socioeconomic status indicators. Journal of Mental Health & Clinical Psychology, 4, 8-17. https://doi.org/10.29245/2578-2959/2020/2.1196
  33. Man, E. Ç. (2023). Predictors of moral disintegration in adults: mindfulness and self-compassion. Bahçeşehir University, Guidance and Psychological Counseling Department, Unpublished Master Thesis, Istanbul.
  34. McLean, C. L., Fiorillo, D., ve Follette, V. M. (2018). Self-compassion and psychological flexibility in a treatment-seeking sample of women survivors of interpersonal violence. Violence and victims, 33, 472-485. https://doi.org/10.1891/0886-6708.v33.i3.472
  35. Neff, K. D. (2003). The development and validation of a scale to measure Self-Compassion. Self and Identity, 2, 223-250. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860309027
  36. Nevanperä, N., Lappalainen, R., Kuosma, E., Hopsu, L., Uitti, J., & Laitinen, J. (2013). Psychological flexibility, occupational burnout and eating behavior among working women. Open Journal of Preventive Medicine, 3, 355-361. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojpm.2013.34048
  37. Ortiz-Fune, C., Kanter, J. W., & Arias, M. F. (2020). Burnout in mental health professionals: The roles of psychological flexibility, awareness, courage, and love. Clinica y Salud, 31, 85-90. https://doi.org/10.5093/CLYSA2020A8
  38. Özaydınlık, K. (2014). Women in Turkey on the basis of gender and education. Sosyal Politika Çalışmaları Dergisi, 33. https://doi.org/10.21560/spcd.03093
  39. Seligman, M. E. P. (2003). Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment. London: Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
  40. Strauss, C., Lever Taylor, B., Gu, J., Kuyken, W., Baer, R., Jones, F., & Cavanagh, K. (2016). What is compassion and how can we measure it? A review of definitions and measures. In Clinical Psychology Review, 47, 15-2 7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2016.05.004
  41. Tunca, A. (2022). Self-compassion and positive childhood experience as predictives of women's happiness. Journal of Abant Social Sciences, 22, 535–545. https://doi.org/10.11616/asbi.1091282
  42. Turkish Statistical Institute (TSI). (2023). Statistical data portal. https://www.tuik.gov.tr/
  43. Upton, K. V. (2018). An investigation into compassion fatigue and self-compassion in acute medical care hospital nurses: a mixed methods study. Journal of Compassionate Health Care, 5, 7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40639-018-0050-x
  44. Wersebe, H., Lieb, R., Meyer, A. H., Hofer, P., & Gloster, A. T. (2018). The link between stress, well-being, and psychological flexibility during an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy self-help intervention. International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, 18, 60-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijchp.2017.09.002
  45. Yarnell, L. M., Neff, K. D., Davidson, O. A., & Mullarkey, M. (2019). Gender differences in self-compassion: Examining the role of gender role orientation. Mindfulness, 10, 1136–1152. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-018-1066-1
  46. Yaşar, S., & Aydoğdu, F. (2022). The Mediating Role of Psychological Flexibility in The Relationship Between Rumination and Solution-Focused Thinking in Female Teachers. Humanistic Perspective, 4, 126 - 145. https://doi.org/10.47793/hp.1037046
  47. Yavuz, F., Ulusoy, S., Iskin, M., Esen, F. B., Burhan, H. S., Karadere, M. E., & Yavuz, N. (2016). Turkish version of acceptance and action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II): A reliability and validity analysis in clinical and non-clinical samples. Psychiatry and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 26, 397-408. https://doi.org/10.5455/bcp.20160223124107
  48. Yüksel, H., & Yüksel, M. (2014). The Reality of Child Bride in Türkiye within the Framework of Child Neglect and Abuse. Cankiri Karatekin University Journal of Institute of Social Sciences, 5, 1-24.
  49. Zessin, U., Dickhäuser, O., & Garbade, S. (2015). The relationship between self-compassion and well-being: A meta-analysis. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 7, 340-364. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12051
  50. Boykin. D., Himmericha. S., Pinciottia.C, Millera. L., Mironb. L., & Orcutta. H., (2018). Barriers to self-compassion for female survivors of childhood maltreatment: The roles of fear of self-compassion and psychological inflexibility. Child Abuse & Neglect, 76, 216-224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.11.003