The article by Neff and Vonk (2009) explores the differences between self-compassion and global self-esteem in psychological functioning. Self-compassion is defined as treating oneself with kindness, recognizing shared humanity, and being mindful when considering negative aspects of oneself. Global self-esteem, on the other hand, is based on positive evaluations of the self and is often contingent on social approval and external outcomes. **Study 1** compared self-compassion and global self-esteem in terms of ego-focused reactivity. Key findings include: - Self-compassion predicted more stable feelings of self-worth and was less contingent on specific outcomes. - It had a stronger negative association with social comparison, public self-consciousness, self-rumination, anger, and need for cognitive closure. - Global self-esteem was positively associated with narcissism, while self-compassion was not. **Study 2** examined the relationship between self-compassion and global self-esteem in positive mood states. Results showed: - Self-compassion and global self-esteem were statistically equivalent predictors of happiness, optimism, and positive affect. - Self-compassion contributed unique variance to these positive emotional states, suggesting that it may be a useful alternative to global self-esteem. The authors conclude that self-compassion may be a healthier alternative to global self-esteem, offering a more stable and less ego-reactive sense of self-worth. Self-compassion is linked to positive emotions and provides stronger protection against the negative consequences of high self-esteem, such as ego-defensiveness and rigid clinging to self-righteousness.The article by Neff and Vonk (2009) explores the differences between self-compassion and global self-esteem in psychological functioning. Self-compassion is defined as treating oneself with kindness, recognizing shared humanity, and being mindful when considering negative aspects of oneself. Global self-esteem, on the other hand, is based on positive evaluations of the self and is often contingent on social approval and external outcomes. **Study 1** compared self-compassion and global self-esteem in terms of ego-focused reactivity. Key findings include: - Self-compassion predicted more stable feelings of self-worth and was less contingent on specific outcomes. - It had a stronger negative association with social comparison, public self-consciousness, self-rumination, anger, and need for cognitive closure. - Global self-esteem was positively associated with narcissism, while self-compassion was not. **Study 2** examined the relationship between self-compassion and global self-esteem in positive mood states. Results showed: - Self-compassion and global self-esteem were statistically equivalent predictors of happiness, optimism, and positive affect. - Self-compassion contributed unique variance to these positive emotional states, suggesting that it may be a useful alternative to global self-esteem. The authors conclude that self-compassion may be a healthier alternative to global self-esteem, offering a more stable and less ego-reactive sense of self-worth. Self-compassion is linked to positive emotions and provides stronger protection against the negative consequences of high self-esteem, such as ego-defensiveness and rigid clinging to self-righteousness.