(The Mediating Role of Intrinsic Motivation in The Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Job Satisfaction)

Abstract

Purpose – The main purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between self-compassion, intrinsic motivation, and job satisfaction of individuals, and in this context, to investigate the mediating effect of intrinsic motivation in the effect of self-compassion on job satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach – The study was conducted on 325 people among some public and private sector employees operating in Ankara and 314 usable questionnaires were obtained. In the analysis of the data, correlation analysis was performed to show the relationship between variables, and regression analyzes were performed to determine the effect of variables on each other. SPSS 23.0 program was used in the analysis. Findings – As a result of research and analysis conducted on working individuals, a positive relationship was found between self-compassion and intrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation and job satisfaction, self-compassion, and job satisfaction. Also, there is a full mediating effect of intrinsic motivation in the effect of self-compassion on job satisfaction. Discussion – What is the intrinsic motivation of working individuals who approach themselves with compassion and thus have high self-compassion compared to individuals who approach themselves mercilessly in the face of negative situations and blame themselves? Therefore, will it increase the job satisfaction of employees with high self-compassion and intrinsic motivation?” In this study, based on the question, it was observed that individuals with high self-compassion also had the high intrinsic motivation and had a positive and enhancing effect on their job satisfaction.