KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB) Journal of Adolescent and Youth Psychological Studies (JAYPS) 2981-2526 6 Serial Number 31 2025 03 10 Self-Compassion as a Mediator Between Trauma Exposure and Suicidal Ideation Self-Compassion as a Mediator Between Trauma Exposure and Suicidal Ideation 142 151 10.61838/kman.jayps.6.3.16 EN Journal Article 2025 01 07 <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><strong>Objective:</strong> This study aimed to examine the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between trauma exposure and suicidal ideation among adults in the United States.</p> <p><strong>Methods and Materials: </strong>A descriptive correlational design was used with a sample of 379 adult participants from the United States, selected based on the Krejcie and Morgan sampling table. Data were collected using standardized instruments: the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5, and the Self-Compassion Scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis using SPSS-27, and structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS-21 were employed to analyze the data and evaluate the proposed mediation model.</p> <p><strong>Findings: </strong>Descriptive results indicated moderate levels of trauma exposure (M = 12.47, SD = 4.63), moderately high self-compassion (M = 81.35, SD = 13.92), and low to moderate suicidal ideation (M = 8.23, SD = 5.41). Trauma exposure was positively correlated with suicidal ideation (r = .48, p &lt; .001) and negatively correlated with self-compassion (r = −.41, p &lt; .001). Self-compassion was negatively correlated with suicidal ideation (r = −.52, p &lt; .001). SEM results confirmed that self-compassion significantly mediated the relationship between trauma exposure and suicidal ideation (indirect effect: β = −0.16, p &lt; .01), with model fit indices indicating a good overall fit (χ²/df = 2.35, CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.059).</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings suggest that self-compassion plays a significant protective role in reducing suicidal ideation among individuals exposed to trauma. Interventions aimed at enhancing self-compassion may serve as effective strategies to mitigate the psychological effects of trauma and reduce suicide risk in diverse adult populations.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://journals.kmanpub.com/index.php/jayps/article/download/3882/6622