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Wilson C, Misajon R, Brooker J. Self-compassion and self-coldness and their relationship with psychological distress and subjective well-being among community-based Hazaras in Australia. Transcult Psychiatry 2024; 61:229-245. [PMID: 38327149 DOI: 10.1177/13634615241227683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Hazaras are a newly emerging community in Australia and limited research has explored their mental health. The first aim of this study was to explore levels of psychological distress and subjective well-being reported by Hazaras in Australia, and whether scores on psychosocial variables (self-compassion, self-coldness, acculturation, resilience, spirituality), psychological distress and domains of subjective well-being differed by sociodemographic groups. The second aim had two parts: (a) to examine bivariate relationships between the psychosocial variables, psychological distress and subjective well-being; and (b) to examine whether the psychosocial predictor variables independently contributed to subjective well-being and psychological distress when controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Seventy-two Hazaras (58 men and 14 women), with a mean age of 28.82 years (SD = 8.84) and average length of time residing in Australia of 10.17 years (SD = 4.11), completed an online survey. There were sociodemographic differences in relation to key variables of interest; for example, participants who did not have family members in Australia reported lower levels of global life satisfaction. Moderate negative relationships were found between self-compassion and psychological distress and between self-coldness and subjective well-being. Self-coldness, self-compassion, resilience and acculturation contributed uniquely to psychological distress and subjective well-being when controlling for sociodemographic variables. Although migration programmes that provide permanent residency and allow family members to join refugees in Australia are limited, they appear important. Many of the difficulties facing Hazaras are ongoing, external and beyond their control (e.g. visa status); however, there is a possibility that self-compassion can play a role as a protective factor.
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Muris P, Fernández-Martínez I, Otgaar H. On the Edge of Psychopathology: Strong Relations Between Reversed Self-compassion and Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Young People. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2024:10.1007/s10567-024-00471-w. [PMID: 38472504 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-024-00471-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Self-compassion is assumed to have a protective role in the etiology of emotional problems in adolescents. This assumption is primarily based on correlational data revealing negative correlations between the total score on the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and symptom measures of anxiety and depression. Recently, however, the SCS has been criticized because this scale not only consists of items measuring compassionate self-responding (i.e., self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness), but also includes 'reversed' items measuring uncompassionate self-responding (i.e., self-criticism, isolation, and overidentification), which would undermine the validity of the scale as an index of a protective construct. The present article used two methods to demonstrate that compassionate (positive) and uncompassionate (negative) self-responding have differential effects on emotional problems in youths. In the first part, a meta-analysis based on 16 relevant studies demonstrated a modest protective effect of positive self-compassion on anxiety/depression and a large (and significantly stronger) vulnerability effect of negative self-compassion on such emotional symptoms. In the second part, network analyses were conducted on three previously collected data sets and these analyses again showed that negative self-compassion is more closely connected to young people's symptoms of anxiety and depression than positive self-compassion. It is argued that the observed differential effects should not be discarded as a subversive fallacy, but rather offer an opportunity for studying the role of self-compassion in adolescents' emotional psychopathology in a more sophisticated way, taking into account both protection and vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Muris
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
| | | | - Henry Otgaar
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Catholic University Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Tolonen I, Saarinen A, Sebert S, Hintsanen M. Do compassion and self-compassion moderate the relationship between childhood socioeconomic position and adulthood body composition? Psychol Health 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38270065 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2024.2305133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The study aims to investigate the associations of compassion and self-compassion with body composition, and whether adulthood compassion and self-compassion moderate the relationship between childhood SEP and adulthood body composition. The participants came from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 Study (n = 789, 52.1% women), with a mean age of 34.0 years. Compassion and self-compassion were measured with the Dispositional Positive Emotions Scale and Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form, respectively. Body composition was assessed using anthropometric and body fat measurements at a clinic. Childhood SEP included parental occupation, education, and employment. The results showed that high compassion was associated with three out of the five body composition measurements, namely lower waist circumference (B = -0.960, p = 0.039, 95% CI: -1.870; -0.498), body fat percentage (B = -0.693, p = 0.030, 95% CI: -1.317; -0.069), and fat mass index (B = -0.325, p = 0.023, 95% CI: -0.605; -0.044) (adjusted for sex, and childhood and adulthood SEP) but not with body mass index or waist-to-hip ratio. Self-compassion was not associated with body composition. Neither compassion nor self-compassion moderated the association between childhood SEP and adulthood body composition, as the interaction effects were not significant. Therefore, the dispositions did not protect against the negative effects of childhood SEP on adulthood body composition. High other-directed compassion may be, however, associated with healthier body composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iina Tolonen
- Division of Psychology, VISE, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Aino Saarinen
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sylvain Sebert
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Mirka Hintsanen
- Division of Psychology, VISE, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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Liu J, Li JT, Zhou M, Liu HF, Fan YY, Mi S, Tang YL. Non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents with mood disorders and the roles of self-compassion and emotional regulation. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1214192. [PMID: 38179248 PMCID: PMC10764550 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1214192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective We aimed to investigate the characteristics and psychological mechanism of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents with mood disorders. We examined how self-compassion and emotional regulation affected NSSI and tested the mediating role of self-compassion in the link between emotional regulation and NSSI. Method We recruited outpatient and inpatient adolescent patients with bipolar and related disorders or depressive disorders (DSM-5), with a focus on NSSI. We also recruited healthy controls from the community. We collected demographic and clinical data. The Adolescent Self-injury Questionnaire, Self-compassion Scale (SCS), and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) were used to assess the frequency and severity of NSSI, level of self-compassion, and emotional regulation. Results In total, we recruited 248 adolescent patients with mood disorders (N = 196 with NSSI, and 52 without NSSI) and 212 healthy controls. NSSI was significantly associated with the female sex, lower levels of education and less use of cognitive reappraisal strategies, lower levels of self-warmth, and higher levels of self-coldness. Multivariate analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences in the scores of ERQ, cognitive reassessment score, and the scores of SCS among the three groups, but no statistical differences in expressive suppression score among the three groups. Self-warmth had a mediating effect between cognitive reappraisal and NSSI behavior. Conclusion NSSI is prevalent among adolescent patients with mood disorders in clinical settings, especially among girls and those with lower levels of education and less cognitive reappraisal strategies. More clinical attention is needed. Self-compassion and its factors may mediate the association between emotional regulation and NSSI. Clinical implications and future research directions were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-ting Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Man Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-feng Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang-yang Fan
- Faculty of Economics and Management, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Si Mi
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-lang Tang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Mental Health Service Line, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
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Zhao M, Ford T, Smithson J, Wang P, Karl A. Self-Compassion in Chinese Young Adults: Its Measurement and Measurement Construct. Assessment 2023; 30:2074-2089. [PMID: 36482690 PMCID: PMC10478333 DOI: 10.1177/10731911221137540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Self-compassion is the ability to be kind to oneself in adversity. This multidimensional construct is typically assessed by the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). In Chinese samples, there have been inconsistent psychometric findings that impede cross-cultural research. This study aimed to explore the factor structure of the Chinese version (SCS-C). METHODS Two samples of young Chinese adults were recruited (Sample 1, N = 465, 141 men, Mean age [Mage] = 20.26; Sample 2, N = 392, 71 men; Mage = 18.97). Confirmatory factor analyses and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) were used to examine previously reported four- and six-factor structures of SCS-C. RESULTS Although ESEM supported the six-factor structure when a problematic item was omitted, we found stronger evidence for a novel four-factor structure of the SCS-C revealed with self-kindness, common humanity, mindfulness, and uncompassionate self-responding. This suggests that Chinese individuals have a different understanding of the negative components of the original self-compassion definition, which was based on the United States and other mostly Western samples. Omega coefficients of the bifactor models suggested that using the SCS total score in Chinese samples is inappropriate. However, high factor determinacy and construct replicability indicated that the general factor of SCS-C could be used in a structural equation modeling context for both four-factor and six-factor structures. CONCLUSIONS When using the existing SCS-C in path models, researchers should use a latent variable approach and establish the measurement construct rather than sum scores of the scale or subscales without checking the factor structure in future empirical studies. Also, the SCS-C needs to be revised, and we proposed directions forward for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Peng Wang
- Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
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Ristvej AJ, McLaren S, Goldie PD. The Relations Between Self-Warmth, Self-Coldness, Internalized Heterosexism, and Depressive Symptoms Among Sexual Minority Men: A Moderated-Mediation Model. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2023:1-25. [PMID: 37695089 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2023.2245523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a prevalent mental health issue for sexual minority men (SMM), with the internalization of sexual identity-based stigma a key risk factor. Self-warmth is a protective factor and self-coldness is a risk factor for depressive symptoms, yet limited research in this area has focused on SMM. In the present study, an international sample of 1,285 gay and 487 bisexual men completed measures of depression, internalized heterosexism, and self-warmth/self-coldness. A multiple linear regression showed that internalized heterosexism explained 0.4% unique variance, self-warmth explained 0.5% unique variance, and self-coldness explained 18.8% unique variance in depressive symptoms. Self-warmth was directly and indirectly related to lower levels of depressive symptoms among SMM. In contrast, self-coldness was directly related to higher levels of depressive symptoms among SMM, and indirectly related to higher levels of depressive symptoms only for gay men. Findings should inform work aiming primarily to reduce self-coldness among SMM, thereby reducing depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suzanne McLaren
- School of Psychology, Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie, Australia
| | - Peter D Goldie
- Department of Psychology, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey, USA
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Vidales CA, Vogel DL, Levant RF. The Self-Stigma of Seeking Help (SSOSH) Scale: Measurement Invariance Across Men from Different Backgrounds. MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION IN COUNSELING AND DEVELOPMENT 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/07481756.2022.2160356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Abstract
Self-compassion refers to being supportive toward oneself when experiencing suffering or pain-be it caused by personal mistakes and inadequacies or external life challenges. This review presents my theoretical model of self-compassion as comprised of six different elements: increased self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness as well as reduced self-judgment, isolation, and overidentification. It discusses the methodology of self-compassion research and reviews the increasingly large number of empirical studies that indicate self-compassion is a productive way of approaching distressing thoughts and emotions that engenders mental and physical well-being. It also reviews research that dispels common myths about self-compassion (e.g., that it is weak, selfish, self-indulgent or undermines motivation). Interventions designed to increase self-compassion, such as compassion-focused therapy and mindful self-compassion, are discussed. Finally, the review considers problematic issues in the field, such as the differential effects fallacy, and considers limitations and future research directions in the field of self-compassion research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin D Neff
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA;
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Be Kind to Yourself: the Implications of Momentary Self-Compassion for Affective Dynamics and Well-Being in Daily Life. Mindfulness (N Y) 2023; 14:622-636. [PMID: 36644400 PMCID: PMC9823261 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-022-02050-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Objectives While self-compassion (SC) has mostly been understood as a stable trait-like property, growing evidence suggests that it may fluctuate over time within a given individual. However, little is known on how these fluctuations relate to affective well-being and affective dynamics, such as emotional inertia and stress reactivity in daily life. Methods A sample of 119 non-clinical individuals (mean age: 31.3 years, 53.8% female) completed a 7-day smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment study with six semi-random signals per day. With each signal, individuals reported their momentary positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA), recent SC, and occurrence and perceived strain of daily hassles since the last signal. Results Whenever individuals reported higher recent SC than usual, they experienced higher momentary PA and lower momentary NA. Moreover, higher recent SC related to lower stress reactivity in terms of lower decrease of PA and lower increase of NA following the experience of daily hassles. No associations between SC and emotional inertia were found. When distinguishing between the positive components (SC-Pos) and negative components (SC-Neg) of SC, SC-Neg (compared to SC-Pos) was more strongly connected to NA, while SC-Pos and SC-Neg were similarly connected to PA. SC-Pos was associated with an attenuated NA stress reactivity, and SC-Neg with an increased NA stress reactivity. SC-Pos and SC-Neg did not significantly moderate PA stress reactivity nor emotional inertia. Conclusions Results show that the benefits of SC for well-being and stress reactivity may unfold whenever we treat ourselves with compassion, irrespective of how self-compassionate we are in general. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-022-02050-y.
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Self-Compassion Correlates of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Youth: A Comparison of Two Self-Compassion Measures. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121930. [PMID: 36553373 PMCID: PMC9777121 DOI: 10.3390/children9121930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Self-compassion is considered as a protective psychological construct that would shield against the development of emotional problems. The aim of the present study was to compare the 'protective nature' of two measures of self-compassion: the Self-Compassion Scale for Youth (SCS-Y) and the Sussex-Oxford Compassion for the Self Scale (SOCS-S). METHODS Eighty-seven adolescents aged 12 to 18 years completed both self-compassion measures as well as scales of anxiety and depression symptoms. RESULTS SCS-Y and SOCS-S scores were positively correlated, and for both measures it was generally found that higher levels of self-compassion were associated with lower levels of emotional symptoms. However, the uncompassionate self-responding scales of the SCS-Y correlated positively with anxiety and depression symptoms and hence can better be seen as indices of vulnerability. Regression analyses suggested that a positive attitude toward oneself, as measured by the self-kindness scale of the SCS or its SOCS-S equivalent 'feeling for the person suffering' is particularly relevant as a buffer against emotional problems. CONCLUSION The protective nature of self-compassion can be established by both measures. Caution is advised with the use of the uncompassionate self-responding scales included in the SCS-Y as they appear to measure vulnerability rather than protection.
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Kawamoto A, Sheth R, Yang M, Demps L, Sevig T. The Role of Self-Compassion Among Adaptive and Maladaptive Perfectionists in University Students. COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/00110000221129606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Using the tripartite model of perfectionism that accounts for combined characteristics of the Perfectionistic Strivings and Perfectionistic Concerns dimensions, this study explored the mediating role of self-compassion to explain differences between adaptive and maladaptive perfectionists in four psychological distress domains: depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and academic distress. A sample of 3,112 university students were classified into adaptive, maladaptive, and nonperfectionists. Results of mediation analyses comparing adaptive and maladaptive perfectionists indicated that adaptive perfectionists reported significantly greater self-compassion and lower psychological distress levels in all four areas. Self-compassion significantly mediated the associations between perfectionist groups in all four domains. These findings were largely supported across various ethnic and international student groups in the analyses by subgroups. Furthermore, parallel mediation analyses demonstrated the unique contributions of individual self-compassion subscales as mediators. Implications for clinical practice, training, and future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aki Kawamoto
- Counseling and Psychological Services, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Reena Sheth
- Counseling and Psychological Services, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Minji Yang
- Counseling and Psychological Services, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - LaTonya Demps
- Counseling and Psychological Services, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Todd Sevig
- Counseling and Psychological Services, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Wang Y, Wu R, Li L, Ma J, Yang W, Dai Z. Common and distinct neural substrates of the compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding dimensions of self-compassion. Brain Imaging Behav 2022; 16:2667-2680. [DOI: 10.1007/s11682-022-00723-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Bian XH, Hou XL, Zuo ZH, Quan H, Ju K, Wu W, Xi JZ. Depression and sleep quality among Chinese college students: The roles of rumination and self-compassion. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-00946-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Kwok SYCL, Gu M, Kwok K. Childhood emotional abuse and adolescent flourishing: A moderated mediation model of self-compassion and curiosity. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 129:105629. [PMID: 35439629 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resilience and positive mental health may be negatively influenced by childhood maltreatment. While many scholars have noted that adolescents exposed to childhood emotional abuse could meet the criteria for flourishing, little research has investigated the mediating effect of self-compassion and the moderating effect of curiosity on the relationship between childhood emotional abuse and adolescent flourishing. OBJECTIVE This study proposed and tested a moderated mediation model that attempted to explain the pathway from childhood emotional abuse to adolescent flourishing. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING The sample consisted of 315 female students (mean age 12.81 years, range 12-14 years) in a girls' secondary school in Hong Kong, China. METHODS We conducted a three-wave study with six-month intervals. The participants completed self-administered questionnaires at school under the guidance of trained research assistants. RESULTS Self-compassion at Time 2 mediated the relationship between childhood emotional abuse at Time 1 and adolescent flourishing at Time 3. Furthermore, the mediating effect was moderated by adolescent curiosity at Time 1 and Time 2. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggested that although childhood emotional abuse may hinder the development of self-compassion, reduced levels of self-compassion and curiosity (especially the stretch dimension of curiosity) could work together to promote flourishing in adolescents with a history of childhood emotional abuse. The results lent further support to the developmental psychopathology and resilience perspectives in explaining the relationship between childhood trauma and positive developmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Y C L Kwok
- Department of Social & Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| | - Minmin Gu
- Research Institute of Social Development, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, 555 Liutai Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kim Kwok
- Department of Social & Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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Kocur D, Flakus M, Fopka-Kowalczyk M. Validity and reliability of the Polish version of the Self-Compassion Scale and its correlates. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267637. [PMID: 35576191 PMCID: PMC9109924 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study adapts the Self-Compassion Scale into Polish and tests the validity, reliability and factor structure of its measures. In the first phase of the research (Study I), 645 respondents were assessed using the NEO-FFI Scale, the Self-Esteem Scale and a back-translated version of the Self-Compassion Scale. The aim of Study I is to analyse the factor structure of the Polish adaptation of the Self-Compassion Scale. The results of analyses using structural equation modelling and exploratory structural equation modelling confirm the six-component structure of the Self-Compassion Scale and the possibility of distinguishing a single primary factor. The results of these analyses indicate that self-compassion is conceptually distinctive from personality traits and self-judgement. In the second phase of the study (Study II), 688 respondents were assessed and the findings show that self-compassion is a predictor of depressive symptoms, trait anxiety, and satisfaction with life, and is also linked to emotional intelligence. In conclusion, the findings of this study show that the Polish version of the Self-Compassion Scale is a reliable and valid measure of self-compassion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagna Kocur
- Department of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Maria Flakus
- Department of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
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Muris P, Otgaar H. Deconstructing Self-Compassion: How the Continued Use of the Total Score of the Self-Compassion Scale Hinders Studying a Protective Construct Within the Context of Psychopathology and Stress. Mindfulness (N Y) 2022; 13:1403-1409. [PMID: 35578653 PMCID: PMC9095813 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-022-01898-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
AbstractIn a new commentary in Mindfulness, Neff once again tried to defend the use of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) total score by arguing that compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding (CS and UCS) are part of a bipolar continuum. In this brief reaction, we refute this notion and also clarify how the continued use of the SCS total score muddies the water of research on self-compassion as a protective variable. We also illustrate how the SCS—by separating CS and UCS—can provide more valid and valuable information on protection and vulnerability within the context of psychopathology and stress than just relying on the total score of the SCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Muris
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Henry Otgaar
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Catholic University Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Chan KKS, Lee JCK, Yu EKW, Chan AWY, Leung ANM, Cheung RYM, Li CW, Kong RHM, Chen J, Wan SLY, Tang CHY, Yum YN, Jiang D, Wang L, Tse CY. The Impact of Compassion from Others and Self-compassion on Psychological Distress, Flourishing, and Meaning in Life Among University Students. Mindfulness (N Y) 2022; 13:1490-1498. [PMID: 35506030 PMCID: PMC9050348 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-022-01891-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Research shows that compassion from others and from the self may enable university students to face, overcome, and bounce back from adversity and generate a greater sense of thriving and meaning in life. However, the underlying processes are largely unknown. The present study aimed to examine the associations of compassion with psychological distress, flourishing, and meaning in life among university students and explore the mechanisms underlying these associations. Methods A total of 536 Hong Kong university students completed questionnaires measuring their experiences of compassion from others, self-compassion, resilience, psychological distress, flourishing, and meaning in life. Results Serial mediation analyses showed that compassion from others was associated positively with self-compassion, which was, in turn, linked to greater resilience and consequently lower levels of psychological distress and higher levels of flourishing and meaning in life. Conclusions Our findings reveal the associations of compassion from others and self-compassion with the well-being and life meaning of university students. The findings highlight the importance of being open and receptive to love and kindness from others. The findings also point to the importance of developing a caring attitude toward oneself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Ka Shing Chan
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.,Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - John Chi-Kin Lee
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.,Centre for Religious and Spirituality Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Eric Kwan Wai Yu
- Department of Literature and Cultural Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Arita W Y Chan
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Angel Nga Man Leung
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.,Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Rebecca Y M Cheung
- Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.,Centre for Child and Family Science, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Chin Wa Li
- Centre for Religious and Spirituality Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.,Department of International Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Raymond Ho-Man Kong
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Junjun Chen
- Department of Education Policy and Leadership, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Sarah Lai Yin Wan
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.,Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Christine Hau Yu Tang
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.,Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Yen Na Yum
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.,Integrated Centre for Wellbeing, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Da Jiang
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.,Integrated Centre for Wellbeing, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Lixun Wang
- Department of Linguistics and Modern Language Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Chun Yip Tse
- Centre for Language in Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
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18
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Talwar V, Castellanos M, Bosacki S. Self-compassion, social cognition, and self-affect in adolescence: A longitudinal study. SELF AND IDENTITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15298868.2022.2030400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Talwar
- Department. Of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Sandra Bosacki
- Faculty of Education, Brock University, St. Catherines, Canada
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19
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Bicaker E, Racine SE. Protection versus risk? The relative roles of compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding for eating disorder behaviors. Eat Behav 2022; 44:101592. [PMID: 34920209 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2021.101592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Research demonstrates the protective role of self-compassion for eating disorder symptoms. However, studies investigating self-compassion most often use the Self-Compassion Scale, which aggregates the distinct but related constructs of compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding. This study examined differential associations of compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding with positive and negative affect and with a range of eating disorder behaviors (i.e., binge eating, purging, dietary restriction, and excessive exercise). Participants were 547 undergraduate students (59% women, Mage = 20.49, SDage = 1.83) who completed measures of self-compassion, trait affect, and eating disorder behaviors. Compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding were moderately negatively correlated (rs = -0.41 and -0.33, among women and men, respectively). Compassionate self-responding was more strongly related to positive affect, and uncompassionate self-responding was more strongly related to negative affect. Among women, uncompassionate self-responding was related to all eating disorder behaviors controlling for compassionate self-responding, whereas compassionate self-responding was not uniquely related to any eating disorder behavior. Among men, a similar pattern emerged, except that only compassionate self-responding related uniquely to excessive exercise. Results are consistent with studies showing that the presence of uncompassionate self-responding might outweigh the absence of compassionate self-responding in explaining psychopathology. Findings highlight the potential importance of primarily targeting uncompassionate self-responding in eating disorder interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ege Bicaker
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sarah E Racine
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
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20
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Klussman K, Nichols AL, Curtin N, Langer J, Orehek E. Self‐connection and Well‐being: Development and validation of a Self‐connection scale. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.2812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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21
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Roads less travelled to self-forgiveness: Can psychological flexibility overcome chronic guilt/shame to achieve genuine self-forgiveness? JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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22
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Rahmandani A, La Kahija YF, Salma S. Will Self-Compassion Relieve Distress?: A Correlational Study Among Indonesian Undergraduate Students. Yonago Acta Med 2021; 64:192-199. [PMID: 34025194 DOI: 10.33160/yam.2021.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background Self-compassion has been considered beneficial in overcoming negative self-assessment due to inadequate coping that increases vulnerability to significant distress among undergraduate students in emerging adulthood. Methods Subjects were 552 Indonesian undergraduate students from Diponegoro University, Indonesia (MAge = 20.03; SDAge = 1,022). Sex and age category were identified for further analysis. The measurements used the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). The GHQ-12 also measures psychological morbidity in three dimensions, i.e. social dysfunction, anxiety and depression symptoms, and loss of confidence. Data were analyzed using Spearman's rho. Additional analyzes using the Mann-Whitney U Test and descriptive statistics were also performed. Results Self-compassion had a significant negative relation with distress. Self-compassion was significantly related to all dimensions of distress, i.e. loss of confidence, anxiety and depression symptoms, and social dysfunction (from largest to smallest respectively). The correlation between self-compassion and distress in men was higher than women, both were significant. The correlation between those two constructs in late adolescence and early adulthood were also significant. Both sex and age did not significantly predict self-compassion and distress. Conclusion The existence of self-compassion could predict a lower level of distress both in general and based on its dimensions, as well as correlations based on sex and age categories. A higher correlation in men may be of concern, while the absence of a marked difference in the correlation by age category could be due to the effect of small age variation in both age categories that was still in the emerging adult period. This was also supported by a non-significant difference of each variable across sex and age category. Discussions based on cultural values were also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Rahmandani
- Faculty of Psychology, Diponegoro University, Semarang 50275, Indonesia
| | | | - Salma Salma
- Faculty of Psychology, Diponegoro University, Semarang 50275, Indonesia
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23
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Zeifman RJ, Ip J, Antony MM, Kuo JR. On loving thyself: Exploring the association between self-compassion, self-reported suicidal behaviors, and implicit suicidality among college students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2021; 69:396-403. [PMID: 31662050 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2019.1679154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Suicide is a major public health concern. It is unknown whether self-compassion is associated with suicide risk above and beyond suicide risk factors such as self-criticism, hopelessness, and depression severity. Participants: Participants were 130 ethnically diverse undergraduate college students. Methods: Participants completed self-report measures of self-compassion, self-criticism, hopelessness, depression severity, and suicidal behaviors, as well as an implicit measure of suicidality. Results: Self-compassion was significantly associated with self-reported suicidal behaviors, even when controlling for self-criticism, hopelessness, and depression severity. Self-compassion was not significantly associated with implicit suicidality. Conclusions: The findings suggest that self-compassion is uniquely associated with self-reported suicidal behaviors, but not implicit suicidality, and that self-compassion is a potentially important target in suicide risk interventions. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Ip
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Martin M Antony
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Janice R Kuo
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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24
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Chio FHN, Mak WWS, Yu BCL. Meta-analytic review on the differential effects of self-compassion components on well-being and psychological distress: The moderating role of dialecticism on self-compassion. Clin Psychol Rev 2021; 85:101986. [PMID: 33667941 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.101986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although self-compassion has been extensively studied in the recent decades, the representation of self-compassion as a unitary measure or the presence of self-warmth (i.e., presence of the positive components: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness) and self-coldness (i.e., presence of the negative components: self-judgment, isolation, and mindfulness) remains controversial. Moreover, the differential effects of the six components of self-compassion on mental well-being and psychological distress have not been systematically investigated. To synthesize the differential effects of the six components of self-compassion and to examine how people in different cultures may associate the positive and negative components of self-compassion differentially, the present meta-analysis synthesized 183 effect sizes across 27 cultures. Results showed that the negative components of self-compassion (rs = 0.44 to 0.45) showed greater effect sizes with psychological distress than the positive counterparts (rs = -0.17 to -0.29) whereas the positive components of SCS (rs = 0.29 to.39) showed greater effect sizes with mental well-being than the negative counterparts (rs = -0.29 to -0.36), with the exception of common humanity and isolation (r = 0.29 and - 0.36). Cultural orientation of dialecticism moderated the association between the positive and the negative components of self-compassion, with dialectical cultures showing lower associations between the two opposing components. Findings have implications on the design and implementation of self-compassion interventions cross-culturally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floria H N Chio
- Department of Counselling and Psychology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Hong Kong
| | - Winnie W S Mak
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong.
| | - Ben C L Yu
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
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25
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Suh H, Chong SS. What Predicts Meaning in Life? The Role of Perfectionistic Personality and Self-Compassion. JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTIVIST PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/10720537.2020.1865854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Suh
- Psychology and Child & Human Development Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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26
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Hoyle RH, Davisson EK, Novice ML. Relations between protective traits and psychological distress among women experiencing infertility. J Health Psychol 2020; 27:397-407. [PMID: 32924607 DOI: 10.1177/1359105320953466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the association between traits associated with adaptive self-management and psychological distress in women experiencing infertility. A sample of 326 women reported on their infertility experience; their tendencies with respect to self-compassion, emotion regulation, and positivity; and their current psychological distress. Results showed negative associations of self-compassion and positive orientation with depression in the past month. The additional distress experienced by women with primary infertility was attenuated by self-compassion and the tendency to not suppress emotional expression. Traits that enable effective self-management buffer the effects of infertility on psychology health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick H Hoyle
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Erin K Davisson
- Center for the Study of Adolescent Risk and Resilience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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27
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Hamrick LA, Owens GP. Exploring the potential moderating role of self-compassion on the relationships between event centrality and post-assault psychological outcomes. J Clin Psychol 2020; 77:156-172. [PMID: 32589806 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study examined whether post-assault internal processes (i.e., present control, event centrality, and compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding) were associated with distress and resilience among women who have experienced adult sexual assault. The authors also tested whether compassionate and uncompassionate self-responses would moderate the relationships between event centrality and outcomes. METHOD A convenience sample of women who had experienced sexual assault during adulthood (N = 253) completed an anonymous online survey. RESULTS Regression analyses showed that lower present control, higher event centrality, and higher uncompassionate responses to the self were associated with posttraumatic stress disorder. Additionally, higher present control and higher compassionate responses to the self were associated with resilience. Moderation analyses were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Endorsing greater levels of uncompassionate responses was associated with greater distress while engaging in greater compassionate responses was associated with greater resilience, even when accounting for levels of present control and event centrality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Hamrick
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Gina P Owens
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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28
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Boyraz G, Legros DN, Berger WB. Self-criticism, self-compassion, and perceived health: moderating effect of ethnicity. The Journal of General Psychology 2020; 148:149-167. [PMID: 32241224 DOI: 10.1080/00221309.2020.1746232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A caring and compassionate attitude toward the self (i.e., self-compassion) has been linked to various mental and physical health benefits. The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) is widely used in psychology literature in order to assess global self-compassion. However, recent evidence suggests that the single factor model comprising positive and negative items of the SCS in fact measures two distinct constructs (i.e., self-criticism/self-coldness and self-compassion) with different psychological correlates. Given these recent findings, in addition to other research that highlights cultural differences in self-conceptualizations and self-evaluations, the present study examined potential ethnic differences in the relationships between self-criticism, self-compassion, and perceived health. Participants included 728 college students (141 Asian American, 449 European American, and 138 Hispanic/Latinx individuals) attending a university in the northeast United States. Results indicated that the relationship between self-criticism and self-compassion was significantly different across ethnicity. In addition, the relationships between these two constructs (i.e., self-criticism and self-compassion) and perceived health were moderated by ethnicity. Our findings suggest that focusing on global self-compassion scores (i.e., total SCS scores) may miss some of the important cultural or ethnic differences in the relationships between self-criticism, self-compassion, and perceived health.
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29
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Halamová J, Kanovský M, Petrocchi N, Moreira H, López A, Barnett MD, Yang E, Benda J, Brähler E, Zeng X, Zenger M. Factor Structure of the Self-Compassion Scale in 11 International Samples. MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION IN COUNSELING AND DEVELOPMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/07481756.2020.1735203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Halamová
- Institute of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Martin Kanovský
- Institute of Social Anthropology, Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Nicola Petrocchi
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, John Cabot University, Rome, Italy
| | - Helena Moreira
- Cognitive and Behavioural Centre for Research and Intervention, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Angélica López
- Department of Health Sciences, Health Psychology Section, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Michael D. Barnett
- Department of Psychology and Counseling, Memory Assessment and Research Center, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Eunjoo Yang
- Department of Psychology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jan Benda
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Elmar Brähler
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Xianglong Zeng
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Markus Zenger
- Faculty of Applied Human Studies, University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg and Stendal, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Stendal, Germany
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center Adiposity Diseases - Behavioral Medicine, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
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30
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Tuong NPC, Beyers W, Valcke M. Care competencies in adolescents: Development of a new measure and relationships with well-being. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 41:713-726. [PMID: 32421061 PMCID: PMC7223108 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-019-00603-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, we observe an increasing focus on fostering well-being in adolescents. This is reflected in growing research in the field of care. However, empirical research is lacking that focuses on the relationship between components of care: receiving care, self-care and extending care. This lack of research is mirrored in the lack of valid measures for assessing care competencies in educational contexts. The present research, therefore, has four goals: 1) to create a valid and reliable scale assessing levels of care competencies based on the multifaceted and multidimensional concept of care; 2) to explore the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and care competencies in adolescents; 3) to examine the psychological outcomes associated with different levels of care competencies in adolescents; 4) to explore the interaction of the three care dimensions in predicting adolescents’ well-being. Based on data from 742 adolescents, a reliable and valid scale could be developed with six subscales: Receiving care, self-care and extending care, with each of them falling apart in care competencies and care failures. Gender, age and academic achievement were related to care competencies/failures. Findings support the link between adolescents’ well-being and care competencies/failures. These results have implications for promoting adolescents’ well-being through school-based care-cultivation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Phuoc Cat Tuong
- 1Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences - Department of Developmental Personality and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,2Department of Psychology and Education, Hue University of Education-Hue University, 34 Le Loi St, Hue, 49000 Vietnam
| | - Wim Beyers
- 3Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences - Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Martin Valcke
- 4Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences - Department of Educational Studies, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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31
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Lau BHP, Chan CLW, Ng SM. Self-Compassion Buffers the Adverse Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19-Related Threats: Results From a Cross-Sectional Survey at the First Peak of Hong Kong's Outbreak. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:585270. [PMID: 33250793 PMCID: PMC7674650 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.585270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has brought tremendous and abrupt threats to various aspects of our daily lives, from school and work to interpersonal relationships. Self-compassion is put forth as a salutogenic perspective on oneself that buffers the adverse mental health impacts of these threats. During the peak of a local outbreak in Hong Kong in Spring 2020, 761 participants completed questionnaires on self-compassion, perceived threats, as well as perceived benefits and psychological distress. Controlling for demographic variables, negative indicators of self-compassion (aka self-coldness) was found to intensify the impacts of threats on psychological distress. The positive indicators of self-compassion also moderated the link between threats and perceived benefits, such that perceived benefits tend to be less related to threats in participants with higher self-compassion. Our findings highlight the impacts of both positive and negative indicators of self-compassion on the adjustment to such unprecedented challenges, and point to the possibility of enhancing people's resilience through fostering self-compassion and alleviating self-coldness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobo Hi-Po Lau
- Department of Counselling and Psychology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cecilia Lai-Wan Chan
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Siu-Man Ng
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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32
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Dschaak ZA, Spiker DA, Berney EC, Miller ME, Hammer JH. Collegian help seeking: the role of self-compassion and self-coldness. J Ment Health 2019; 30:284-291. [PMID: 31661997 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2019.1677873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Researchers have identified a two-factor structure of self-compassion (i.e. self-compassion and self-coldness). To date, no research has examined each of these constructs' role in collegian professional help-seeking intention. AIM The current study sought to assess the role of self-compassion and self-coldness in collegian professional help-seeking intention, accounting for other theoretically and empirically-supported help-seeking constructs. METHOD Participants included 9349 collegians recruited as part of the national 2015-2016 Healthy Minds Study archival dataset. A logistic regression was conducted to examine the unique contributions of self-compassion and self-coldness in predicting professional help-seeking intention, controlling for key help-seeking variables. RESULTS A test of the full model against a constant only model was statistically significant, which indicated that the predictors collectively distinguished between collegians who intended to seek help from a professional clinician compared to those who did not. The Wald criterion indicated that both self-compassion and self-coldness were uniquely associated with intention to seek professional help. Self-compassion increased and self-coldness decreased the probability of seeking professional help. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights the importance of self-compassion and self-coldness in collegian help-seeking intention. These findings can inform specific outreach efforts targeting both self-compassion and self-coldness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A Dschaak
- Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Douglas A Spiker
- Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Elyssa C Berney
- Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Melanie E Miller
- Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Joseph H Hammer
- Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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33
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Krieger T, Reber F, von Glutz B, Urech A, Moser CT, Schulz A, Berger T. An Internet-Based Compassion-Focused Intervention for Increased Self-Criticism: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Behav Ther 2019; 50:430-445. [PMID: 30824257 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Increased levels of self-criticism and a lack of self-compassion have been associated with the development and maintenance of a range of psychological disorders. In the current study, we tested the efficacy of an online version of a compassion-focused intervention, mindfulness-based compassionate living (MBCL), with guidance on request. A total of 122 self-referred participants with increased levels of self-criticism were randomly assigned to care as usual (CAU) or the intervention group (CAU + online intervention). Primary endpoints were self-reported depressive, anxiety and distress symptoms (DASS-21) and self-compassion (SCS) at 8 weeks. Secondary endpoints were self-criticism, mindfulness, satisfaction with life, fear of self-compassion, self-esteem, and existential shame. At posttreatment, the intervention group showed significant changes with medium to large effect sizes compared to the control group regarding primary outcomes (Cohen's d: 0.79 [DASS] and -1.21 [SCS]) and secondary outcomes (Cohen's ds: between 0.40 and 0.94 in favor of the intervention group). The effects in the intervention group were maintained at 6-months postrandomization. Adherence measures (number of completed modules, self-reported number of completed exercises per week) predicted postintervention scores for self-compassion but not for depressive, anxiety, and distress symptoms in the intervention group. The current study shows the efficacy of an online intervention with a transdiagnostic intervention target on a broad range of measures, including depressive and anxiety symptoms and self-compassion.
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Emotion Processing and the Role of Compassion in Psychotherapy from the Perspective of Multiple Selves and the Compassionate Self. Case Rep Psychiatry 2019; 2019:7214752. [PMID: 30723566 PMCID: PMC6339704 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7214752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Emotion processing is an important factor for successful psychotherapy. Clients tend to suffer from maladaptive emotions, which contribute to states of confusion, rumination, and stagnation. The therapist should demonstrate adequate empathy and understanding of the client's complaints to help the client to recognize and respect their own emotions and desires. In most cases, there is more than one desire, and each desire should be confronted. The compassionate self exercises are helpful to distinguish and integrate confused states. In this report, the author introduces a case in which the therapist helped a client to process emotional experiences by leading the client to pay attention to her own emotional responses. The client accessed multiple desires for each emotion and recognized the context for each. To integrate multiple desires and contexts, the therapist used multiple selves exercises from Compassion Focused Therapy. The compassionate self exercises play a role in integrating complicated emotions and in directing the client toward making an adequate choice independently. On its own, processing emotional experiences can induce adaptive and healthy desires; however, using compassionate self exercises helps the client to integrate complicated emotions and to approach their own values in a more direct way.
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Hisler GC, Brenner RE. Does sleep partially mediate the effect of everyday discrimination on future mental and physical health? Soc Sci Med 2019; 221:115-123. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Recabarren RE, Gaillard C, Guillod M, Martin-Soelch C. Short-Term Effects of a Multidimensional Stress Prevention Program on Quality of Life, Well-Being and Psychological Resources. A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:88. [PMID: 30914974 PMCID: PMC6422882 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well-documented that university students have an increased risk in developing psychological problems because they face multiple stressors. Cognitive, behavioral, and mindfulness-based stress prevention programs were shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and perceived stress in university students. However, little is known of their effect on resource activation. Additionally, most validated interventions are unidimensional, i.e., including one stress-coping approach. In this study, we investigated the short-term effects of a multidimensional stress prevention program on students' quality of life, psychological symptoms and resources, and resilience factors against stress. Using an experimental design, 64 healthy undergraduate students (56 women), between 18 and 34 years old (M = 21.34, SD = 2.53), from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, were randomly allocated either to the intervention or the wait-list control group. The intervention group participated in a multidimensional stress prevention program, integrating mindfulness-based activities, cognitive and behavioral strategies, social skills, and emotional regulation exercises. The program consisted of eight 2-h weekly sessions. Before and after the intervention, participants completed self-reported questionnaires evaluating quality of life; psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, social anxiety, and interpersonal problems; as well as psychological resources like self-efficacy, sense of coherence, self-compassion, and social support, presented online. A standardized clinical interview was performed at pre- and post-measurement times. To analyze the sort-term effects of the program, we used mixed, two-factorial ANOVAs (per-protocol analyses). In accordance with our hypotheses, our results showed significant reduction of psychological symptoms, including anxiety, interpersonal problems, and symptoms of pain; a significant increase in quality of life, sense of coherence, and self-compassion in students who participated in the intervention program compared to the control group, (all p < 0.05). No significant results were found for symptoms of depression, social anxiety, self-efficacy, and social support. These preliminary findings indicate specific short-term effects of our multidimensional stress prevention program on psychological symptoms and on quality of life as well as promising effects on psychological resources and factors associated with resilience against stress. Future studies should investigate the long-term effects of the intervention as well as the effects in clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Evelyn Recabarren
- Division of Clinical and Health Psychology, IReach Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Claudie Gaillard
- Division of Clinical and Health Psychology, IReach Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Guillod
- Division of Clinical and Health Psychology, IReach Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Martin-Soelch
- Division of Clinical and Health Psychology, IReach Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Montero-Marin J, Kuyken W, Crane C, Gu J, Baer R, Al-Awamleh AA, Akutsu S, Araya-Véliz C, Ghorbani N, Chen ZJ, Kim MS, Mantzios M, Rolim Dos Santos DN, Serramo López LC, Teleb AA, Watson PJ, Yamaguchi A, Yang E, García-Campayo J. Self-Compassion and Cultural Values: A Cross-Cultural Study of Self-Compassion Using a Multitrait-Multimethod (MTMM) Analytical Procedure. Front Psychol 2018; 9:2638. [PMID: 30622499 PMCID: PMC6308155 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-compassion is natural, trainable and multi-faceted human capacity. To date there has been little research into the role of culture in influencing the conceptual structure of the underlying construct, the relative importance of different facets of self-compassion, nor its relationships to cultural values. This study employed a cross-cultural design, with 4,124 participants from 11 purposively sampled datasets drawn from different countries. We aimed to assess the relevance of positive and negative items when building the self-compassion construct, the convergence among the self-compassion components, and the possible influence of cultural values. Each dataset comprised undergraduate students who completed the “Self-Compassion Scale” (SCS). We used a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) approach to the multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) model, separating the variability into self-compassion components (self-kindness, common humanity, mindfulness), method (positive and negative valence), and error (uniqueness). The normative scores of the Values Survey Module (VSM) in each country, according to the cultural dimensions of individualism, masculinity, power distance, long-term orientation, uncertainty avoidance, and indulgence, were considered. We used Spearman coefficients (rs) to assess the degree of association between the cultural values and the variance coming from the positive and negative items to explain self-compassion traits, as well as the variance shared among the self-compassion traits, after removing the method effects produced by the item valence. The CFA applied to the MTMM model provided acceptable fit in all the samples. Positive items made a greater contribution to capturing the traits comprising self-compassion when the long-term orientation cultural value was higher (rs = 0.62; p = 0.042). Negative items did not make significant contributions to building the construct when the individualism cultural value was higher, but moderate effects were found (rs = 0.40; p = 0.228). The level of common variance among the self-compassion trait factors was inversely related to the indulgence cultural value (rs = -0.65; p = 0.030). The extent to which the positive and negative items contribute to explain self-compassion, and that different self-compassion facets might be regarded as reflecting a broader construct, might differ across cultural backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Montero-Marin
- Primary Care Prevention and Health Promotion Research Network, RedIAPP, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Willem Kuyken
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Crane
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny Gu
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Baer
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | | | - Satoshi Akutsu
- Graduate School of International Corporate Strategy, Hitotsubashi University Business School, Hitotsubashi University, Hitotsubashi, Japan
| | | | - Nima Ghorbani
- Department of Psychology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zhuo Job Chen
- Department of Psychology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
| | - Min-Sun Kim
- Department of Communicology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Michail Mantzios
- Department of Psychology, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Danilo N Rolim Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental e Psicobiologia (DSE/CCEN), Universidade Federal da Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Luiz C Serramo López
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental e Psicobiologia (DSE/CCEN), Universidade Federal da Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Ahmed A Teleb
- Special Education Department, Faculty of Education, King Khalid University, Asir, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Psychology, The New Valley Faculty of Education, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - P J Watson
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States
| | - Ayano Yamaguchi
- College of Community and Human Services, Rikkyo University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Eunjoo Yang
- Department of Psychology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Javier García-Campayo
- Primary Care Prevention and Health Promotion Research Network, RedIAPP, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
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Eriksson T, Germundsjö L, Åström E, Rönnlund M. Mindful Self-Compassion Training Reduces Stress and Burnout Symptoms Among Practicing Psychologists: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Brief Web-Based Intervention. Front Psychol 2018; 9:2340. [PMID: 30538656 PMCID: PMC6277494 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The aims of this study were (a) to examine the effects of a 6 weeks web-based mindful self-compassion program on stress and burnout symptoms in a group of practicing psychologists, and (b) to examine relationships between changes in self-compassion and self-coldness and changes in stress and burnout symptoms. Method: In a randomized controlled trial, 101 practicing psychologists were assigned to a training group (n = 51) or a wait-list control group (n = 49). The training encompassed 15 min exercises per day, 6 days a week, for 6 weeks. The participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), the Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Shirom Melamed Burnout Questionnaire (SMBQ) pre and post intervention. Results: Eighty-one participants (n = 40 in the training group, n = 41 in the control group) took part in the pre and post intervention assessments. Selective gains for the intervention group were observed for SCS total scores (d = 0.86; d = 0.94 for the SCS), FFMQ scores (d = 0.60), while levels of self-coldness was reduced (d = 0.73). Critically, levels of perceived stress (d = 0.59) and burnout symptoms (d = 0.44 for SMBQ total) were additionally lowered post intervention. Finally, the results confirmed the hypothesis that the measures of distress would be more strongly related to self-coldness than self-compassion, a pattern seen in cross-sectional analyses and, for burnout, also in the longitudinal analyses. Conclusions: This training program appeared effective to increase self-compassion/reduce self-coldness, and to alleviate stress and symptoms of burnout and provide support of the distinction between self-compassion and self-coldness. Additional studies, preferably three-armed RCTs with long-term follow-up, are warranted to further evaluate the effectiveness of the program.
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