Cognitive executive functioning and self-compassion of municipal employees in South Africa

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between self-compassion and selected cognitive executive functions. A brief summary of the three chapters are presented below. Chapter 1 comprises of the literature study that presents an overview of the theoretical understandings and underpinnings of both self-compassion and selected executive functions. From the literature study emerged a research question: could profiles of self-compassion be identified in participants by means of latent profile analysis (LPA), and would dimensions of executive functions predict profile membership of the self-compassion profiles? Chapter 1 further described the research methodology which included the research design, participants and procedures, data collection, data analysis, ethical considerations and lastly an outline of the chapters of the study. Chapter 2 contains the research article and is composed of a brief literature background of self-compassion and executive functions, the research method, results and a discussion of the results. The findings of the study are that four self-compassion profiles were identified by means of LPA namely, low, moderate, high and thriving self-compassion profiles. This study also indicated that the executive functions of motivational drive, organisation and strategic planning predicted membership of self-compassion profiles. Chapter 3 is the concluding chapter and comprises of the theoretical and empirical conclusions, followed by the limitations and recommendations. The research question was convincingly answered, and the aims of the study were met. Four latent self-compassion profiles were identified, and profile membership was significantly predicted by organisation and strategic planning to a lesser extent by motivational drive and not at all by empathy and impulse control. Accredited Member: South African Translators’ Institute