Research has clearly demonstrated predictors of posttraumatic growth (PTG) following trauma, yet the distinction on the mechanisms of growth in individuals who have experienced sexual trauma still needs to be investigated. This study investigated self-compassion (SC) and meaning in life as predictors of PTG and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity among sexual trauma survivors. Participants were 84 emerging adults residing in Canada and the U.S. who completed an online survey and reported a history of sexual assault or another unwanted sexual experience. Results indicated that SC was significantly associated with presence of meaning, PTG, and PTSD symptom severity. Search for meaning was only significantly associated with PTG. Presence of meaning predicted PTG over and above SC, and a significant indirect effect of SC on PTG via presence of meaning was observed (standardized indirect effect = 0.23). Although presence of meaning independently predicted lower PTSD symptom severity, this effect was no longer significant after controlling for SC, suggesting SC may play a more robust role in PTSD symptom severity. Despite the small sample size and cross-sectional design, the findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying PTG within the distinct context of sexual trauma. Sexual trauma may disrupt individuals’ assumptive worlds and beliefs related to the self and others. Rebuilding these assumptive worlds may require individuals to reevaluate and integrate maladaptive trauma-related beliefs into more adaptive belief structures. SC may facilitate adaptive cognitive and emotional processing following trauma by reducing self-criticism, thereby reducing posttraumatic distress, whereas meaning-making may support the integration of traumatic experiences into a broader sense of purpose and personal growth. These findings highlight potential therapeutic targets for sexual trauma survivors.