The objectives of the present study were, first, to analyze the impact of direct and relational bullying on emotional well-being, and second to study if self-compassion could foster emotional well-being among those who suffer bullying. A sample composed of 433 adolescents (M_age = 13.28; SD = .72) answered two measures of direct and relational bullying based on the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). The results showed that being a victim of either relational or direct bullying was associated with lower scores in positive affect and negative affect, while direct bullying was only associated with negative affect. Self-compassion was a strong predictor of emotional well-being, and self-compassion was a partial mediator between being a victim of bullying (either relational or direct) and negative affect. This research adds evidence that self-compassion may be an important component in prevention and intervention programs with victims of bullying.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by instability in relationships, mood fluctuations, and erratic behavior. This study investigates the relationship between pathological personality traits and functional disability, the status of perceived social support in BPD, as well as its mediating role in this relationship. In this cross-sectional study, 192 Spanish women (BPD group,N= 97; healthy control group,N= 95) completed, through two online platforms, a battery of tests including: thePersonality Inventory for DSM-5 Brief Form (PID-5-BF), theWorld Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0(WHODAS 2.0) and thePerceived Social Support subscale of the Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ). The results show that perceived social support was significantly lower in the BPD group, which also presented a significantly higher disability score than the control group. Pathological personality traits affected functionality both directly and indirectly through perceived social support, as this variable was a significant mediator in both groups. We conclude that perceived social support is impaired in BPD patients, and enhancing it as a complementary therapy to evidence-based treatments could help preserve the functionality of patients while pathological traits are regulated. This study also encourages future research to delve into the relevance of other psychosocial variables on the functionality of subjects with BPD, and the need of enhancing them in therapy.

This study examined whether depressive symptoms mediated the association between coping strategies and quality of life (QoL) in a sample of hypertensive patients, and the prospective contribution of depressive symptoms and coping strategies in the prediction of their QoL. One hundred and fifty patients (50% males and 50% females) with a diagnosis of essential hypertension were recruited from a general hospital. Symptoms of depression, coping and QoL measures (global score and dimensions) were collected at baseline. Sixty-three participants completed the QoL questionnaire again one year later (T2). The results indicated that the relations between emotion coping and QoL (global score, satisfaction and social support) were totally mediated by depressive symptoms. The association between emotion coping and well-being was, however, partially mediated by depressive symptoms. Furthermore, only baseline instrumental coping strategies predicted higher levels of QoL (global score, well-being and social support) at T2. Neither emotion coping nor depressive symptoms were significantly associated with prospective QoL. These findings suggest that depressive symptoms may be a mechanism linking the manner in which patients cope with their hypertension and their QoL. They also emphasise the adaptive role played by instrumental coping responses in the management of hypertension in the long term.

Gender and social support (SS) can affect the level of adjustment to cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study we attempted to determine the effects of both factors on negative mood state, quality of life (QOL) and perceived health control (PHC) in patients at high CVD risk or with CVD. We also tested for an interactive effect of gender and SS. One hundred and fifty-three chronic outpatients (89 females and 60 males; 4 provided no information on gender) were assessed. Levels of social support were measured. Other psychosocial variables included were negative mood state, domains of QOL (satisfaction and free time) and PHC. The results, as expected, indicated main effects of gender and social support. Females experienced higher negative mood state and lower PHC in comparison with males. Patients with low SS reported less satisfaction, free time and PHC and had more negative mood state. No interaction of gender by social support was found. Levels of social support and gender are important aspects that influence emotional and psychological functioning in patients with CVD. Specific interventions designed for females and individuals with poor emotional and instrumental support may contribute to positive changes in their adjustment.