When sadness strikes: How mood affects positive and negative state self-compassion

Abstract The present study examined the relationships between trait self-compassion, state self-compassion – including both compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding (CSR and USR) – and momentary affective responses during a mood induction experiment. Using a repeated-measures crossover design, 77 participants were exposed to cheerful or sad music (to elicit positive or negative affective states) in counterbalanced order. State CSR and USR, as well as positive and negative affect, were measured at baseline and after each mood manipulation. Results indicated that: (a) the mood inductions were highly effective; (b) state CSR and USR fluctuated with mood, with more negative mood being associated with lower CSR and higher USR, and vice versa; (ac) trait CSR and USR predicted absolute levels of state CSR and USR; and (d) changes in CSR and USR during the negative mood induction were better predicted by momentary affect than by trait CSR and USR. These findings suggest that enhancing emotional awareness and regulation may complement self-compassion interventions by boosting CSR and reducing USR. Furthermore, they highlight the need for research on how momentary affect dynamically shapes self-compassion over time.