Mindfulness and self-compassion in trauma-related adjustment among adult women: a three-wave multi-regional study

Trauma-related distress in adult women often extends beyond posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to include depressive symptoms and dissociation, yet the roles of mindfulness and self-compassion across these symptom domains remain insufficiently clarified. This study examined mindfulness and self-compassion as psychological resources associated with trauma-related symptoms among trauma-exposed adult women using a three-wave online survey design. The final sample included 240 women from eastern and western China. Mindfulness was operationalized through observation, acting with awareness, and non-reactivity, whereas self-compassion was measured through self-kindness, common humanity, and reduced self-criticism. Trauma-related distress was assessed through PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, dissociation, and an overall trauma symptom index. Results showed that mindfulness and self-compassion were negatively associated with all three symptom domains and independently predicted lower PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, dissociation, and overall trauma symptoms. Baseline mindfulness and self-compassion also significantly predicted lower subsequent symptom levels at T2. Regional differences were more evident in symptom burden than in psychological resources, with western participants reporting higher PTSD and overall trauma symptoms. Although trauma severity significantly interacted with both mindfulness and self-compassion, the interaction patterns did not support a classical buffering effect. Overall, mindfulness and self-compassion appear to be meaningful but context-dependent psychological resources in women's trauma-related adjustment.