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Published on: March 8, 2018
Temporal interplay between momentary identity-salient experiences, self-compassion, and affective-somatic well-being
Eddie S K Chong1, Han Chen1, Shuk Kwan Po1
1Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong.
Abstract:
Despite growing research on resilience among sexual and gender diverse (SGD) individuals, significant gaps remain in understanding the temporal dynamic between affirming identity-salient experiences (ISEs) and affective-somatic well-being as they unfold over time amid SGD-stress experiences. Prior intensive longitudinal research among SGD populations has primarily focused on concurrent intraindividual associations between stressful ISEs and health outcomes. Moreover, self-compassion, an adaptive mechanism showing promise in SGD health research, has been mainly studied as a trait-like construct rather than as a mindstate. To address these gaps, this intensive longitudinal study examined temporal relationships between momentary ISEs, self-compassion, and affective-somatic well-being among 141 SGD adults in Hong Kong (Mage = 28.32, SD = 7.09). Using experience sampling with three assessments daily over 2 weeks and dynamic structural equation modeling, the study tested two interrelated frameworks: social safeness (identity-affirming experiences promote self-compassion and, subsequently, well-being) and broaden-and-build (self-compassion improves well-being and, subsequently, invites identity-affirming experiences). Results from the two distinct models largely supported both perspectives. In the first model, affirming (but not stressful) ISE predicted higher compassionate self-responding, which subsequently contributed to improved positive affect, reduced negative affect, and unchanged somatic distress. In the second model, compassionate self-responding predicted improved positive affect and reduced negative affect, which contributed to a higher likelihood of subsequent affirming (but not stressful) ISE, while accounting for uncompassionate self-responding. These findings illuminate the dynamic processes underlying resilience and help guide the development of treatment approaches and community programs that foster health and well-being among SGD populations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
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