Personality predictors of self-compassion, ego-resiliency and psychological flexibility in the context of quality of life

Abstract

Self-compassion (S-C), ego-resiliency (E-R) and psychological flexibility (P-F) are internal resources that enhance quality of life, adaptation and life satisfaction. Despite similar effects, they are vastly varied in terms of specific psychological functions. The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between personality traits and SC, E-R, and P-F, regarding quality of life, in a Polish sample. 379 participants (50% female, Mage: 29.04) took part in a questionnaire survey. Despite the fact that all three resources correlated with personality dimensions (emotionality, extraversion and agreeableness), it was established that they varied in terms of specific components. Personality facets established 53% of variance explained for S-C, 37% for E-R, and 34% for P-F. Cluster analysis identified three resource-related personality structures that diversified the level of quality of life. It may have implications for the selection of therapeutic tools, where P-F, theoretically referring to the constant readiness to adapt to and interact with the changing environment and least predicted by personality, seems to be the most accessible and learnable resource, regardless of the personality structure.