Examining the roles of self-compassion and self-control in managing work-family conflicts and preventing burnout during the pandemic: A three-wave longitudinal study in China

Abstract

According to the Work/Family Border Theory, the pandemic-induced disruptions, such as widespread teleworking adoption, have blurred work and family boundaries. Meanwhile, the Work–Home Resources Model posited that the impact of such disruptions on work–family conflicts and mental health depends on individual resources. Building on previous research, this study hypothesised that self-compassion and self-control mitigate pandemic burnout by reducing work–family conflicts during pandemic. In particular, we proposed that the proactive nature of self-compassion motivates individuals to seek resources for managing work–family conflicts, while self-control translates this motivation into action through behavioural regulation and adaptive coping. Using a three-wave longitudinal design with 568 participants in China during heightened pandemic severity, the study revealed that both self-compassion and self-control were associated with lower pandemic burnout, mediated through reduced work–family conflict. The indirect effect of self-compassion on pandemic burnout via work–family conflicts was significant only for individuals with high or average self-control, emphasising the complementary role of both factors. Our findings underscore the protective value of self-compassion and self-control in navigating work–family conflicts during collective adversities, advocating for their incorporation in theoretical frameworks and practical intervention.