Abstract
Introduction: The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between the Big Five personality traits (extraversion, neuroticism, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) and post-traumatic growth in mothers of children with intellectual disabilities.
Method: The research method was descriptive-correlational and based on structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in Fars Province, from whom 300 participants were selected through convenience sampling. The instruments included the NEO Five-Factor Inventory, Neff’s Self-Compassion Scale, and the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory developed by Tedeschi and Calhoun. Data were analyzed using statistical software and the PLS technique.
Results: The findings indicated that openness to experience (β = 0.417), extraversion (β = 0.298), agreeableness (β = 0.217), and conscientiousness (β = 0.329) had positive and significant relationships with self-compassion. Moreover, openness to experience (β = 0.339), extraversion (β = 0.317), agreeableness (β = 0.324), and conscientiousness (β = 0.286) demonstrated positive and significant associations with post-traumatic growth. In contrast, neuroticism was negatively and significantly related to both self-compassion (β = -0.339) and post-traumatic growth (β = -0.257). Furthermore, self-compassion served as a mediator in the relationship between the Big Five personality traits—including extraversion (Z = 3.59), neuroticism (Z = 3.39), openness to experience (Z = 3.77), agreeableness (Z = 2.69), and conscientiousness (Z = 2.75)—and post-traumatic growth. Notably, the mediating effect of self-compassion was stronger in the relationship between openness to experience and post-traumatic growth compared to the other personality traits.
Discussion and conclusion: According to the research results, enhancing self-compassion can be considered an effective intervention strategy in psychological and supportive programs for mothers facing the challenges of parenting under difficult circumstances.