# The role of self-compassion in adults with dyslexia

## TL;DR

This study explores how self-compassion relates to self-esteem, self-efficacy, and anxiety in adults with dyslexia.

## Contribution

It is the first to examine self-compassion in adults with dyslexia and its mediating role in anxiety and self-perception.

## Key findings

- Self-compassion was linked to self-esteem, self-efficacy, and anxiety in adults with dyslexia.
- Self-compassion mediated the relationship between anxiety and self-esteem and self-efficacy.
- This is the first study to report such mediation in adults with dyslexia.

## Abstract

The emotional aspect of dyslexia has recently received more attention. A growing body of literature highlights the links between dyslexia and self-perception (such as self-esteem and self-efficacy) and psychopathology (such as anxiety). However, there is no research on self-compassion in adults with dyslexia. The current study aimed to examine the role of self-compassion in relation to self-esteem, self-efficacy and anxiety in adults with dyslexia. We investigated whether facets of self-compassion have distinct roles within these relationships. We also aimed to identify whether self-compassion mediates the association of self-esteem and self-efficacy with dyslexia and anxiety. Findings are reported from 100 adults with dyslexia who took part in an online survey involving measures of self-compassion, self-esteem and self-efficacy, and anxiety. Self-compassion was related to the other measures and was found to mediate the association of anxiety with self-esteem and self-efficacy, which has not been reported before in adults with dyslexia.