Comparison of Mindfulness, Psychological Capital, and Self-Compassion between Students with Externalizing Behavior Problems and Normal Students

Background: The aim of this research was to compare mindfulness,psychological capital, and self-compassion between students withexternalizing problems and normal students in Isfahan city, Iran.Methods: The statistical population of this case-control study included all thestudents with externalizing problems and normal students in Isfahan city in theacademic year of 2017 - 2018. We used purposive non-probability sampling tocollect the samples. In this regard, 100 students with externalizing problemsand 100 normal students were selected and asked to complete questionnaires.The questionnaires used in this study included Mindfulness Skillsquestionnaires, Self-compassion questionnaire, and PSY CAP (ThePsychological Capital) questionnaires. The data were analyzed by SPSS23using analysis of variance.Results: The results showed that the mindfulness, PSY CAP, andself-compassion were significantly different between the two groups (P-value< 0.0001). The students with externalizing problems had lower scores inmindfulness, PSY CAP, and self-compassion than the normal students.Conclusion: Students with externalizing behavior problems had lowermental health due to their vulnerable cognitive and psychological processes.Accordingly, mindfulness, PSY CAP, and self-compassion scores weresignificantly different between the normal students and those withexternalizing problems. Considering this difference, we suggest theauthorities to pay enough attention to such varieties and conduct appropriateinterventions accordingly.

Keywords:

Mindfulness , Psychological Capital , Self-Compassion , Externalizing Problems