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Büchner A, Ewert C, Hoffmann CFA, Schröder-Abé M, Horstmann KT. On the importance of being clear about the level of analysis of interest: An illustration using the case of self-compassion. J Pers 2024. [PMID: 38462896 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12924] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Theories about within-person (WP) variation are often tested using between-person (BP) research, despite the well-established fact that results may not generalize across levels of analysis. One possible explanation is vague theories that do not specify which level of analysis is of interest. We illustrate such a case using the construct of self-compassion. The factor structure at the BP level has been highly debated, although the theory is actually concerned with relationships at the WP level. METHOD Multilevel confirmatory factor analysis was applied to experience-sampling data of self-compassion (N = 213, with n = 4052 measurement occasions). RESULTS At both levels of analysis, evidence for a two-factor model was found. However, the factors were moderately related at the WP level (r = 0.37, p < 0.001) but largely independent at the BP level (r = 0.04, p = 0.696). Exploratory analyses revealed considerable heterogeneity in the WP relationship among individuals. CONCLUSION We discuss how our results provide new impulses to move the debate around self-compassion forward. Lastly, we outline how the WP level-which is of major interest for self-compassion and other constructs in psychology-can guide the conceptualization and assessment to promote advancements of the theory and resulting applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabel Büchner
- Institute of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christina Ewert
- Department of Psychology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | | | - Kai T Horstmann
- Department of Psychology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
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Chinh K, Wu W, Johns SA, Stutz PV, McGrew JH, Mosher CE. Development and preliminary validation of the Brief Self-Compassion Inventory. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285658. [PMID: 37172068 PMCID: PMC10180635 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Research and clinical interest in self-compassion has grown due to its associations with physical and mental health benefits. Widely used measures of self-compassion have conceptual and psychometric limitations that warrant attention. The purpose of this project was to develop a new self-compassion measure, the Brief Self-Compassion Inventory (BSCI), and test its psychometric properties. We developed items for the BSCI based on theory, prior research, and expert and cancer patient feedback. The BSCI was then tested with adults diagnosed with breast, gastrointestinal, lung, or prostate cancer (N = 404). Confirmatory factor analysis suggested a unidimensional structure, and internal consistency reliability was excellent. Construct validity of the BSCI was established through its correlations with psychological variables hypothesized to be related to self-compassion, such as mindfulness, acceptance of cancer, and other coping strategies. Furthermore, measurement invariance testing of the BSCI indicated that it could be used across patients of varying genders, cancer types, and stages of illness. In conclusion, the 5-item BSCI was determined to be psychometrically sound and suitable for use with adults of varying genders, cancer types, and stages of disease. The measure warrants testing with other medical and nonclinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Chinh
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Seattle Division, VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Shelley A Johns
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Center for Health Services Research, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Patrick V Stutz
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Center for Health Services Research, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - John H McGrew
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Catherine E Mosher
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
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Goshorn JR, Mason WN, Sperandio KR. Does Meaning-in-Life or Self-Compassion Influence LGBTQ+ Identity or Outness? JOURNAL OF LGBTQ ISSUES IN COUNSELING 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/26924951.2022.2093309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy R. Goshorn
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Lebanon Valley College, Annville, PA, USA
| | - W. Nathaniel Mason
- Department of School Psychology and Counselor Education, St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, NY, USA
| | - Katharine R. Sperandio
- Department of Counseling and Human Development, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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The role of body dissatisfaction and self-compassion in pregnancy-related anxiety. J Affect Disord 2022; 313:84-91. [PMID: 35772628 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.06.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women undergo significant physical, physiological, and psychological changes during pregnancy. They are also exposed to sociocultural pressure to meet appearance-related ideals. These pregnancy-related changes and sociocultural appearance-related pressures may place pregnant women at greater vulnerability to developing body dissatisfaction and psychological distress. To date, however, little is known about how sociocultural pressure may influence pregnancy-related anxiety, or factors that may protect against such distress during pregnancy. This study examined whether body dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between appearance-related sociocultural pressure and pregnancy-related anxiety, and whether this relationship was moderated by self-compassion and/or self-criticism. METHOD A cross-sectional sample of 253 pregnant women (Mage = 26.28, SDage = 4.43) completed an online questionnaire measuring sociocultural pressure, body dissatisfaction, pregnancy-related anxiety, and self-compassion. RESULTS Moderated mediation analyses revealed body dissatisfaction fully mediated the relationship between sociocultural pressure and pregnancy-related anxiety. Analyses confirmed the moderating role of self-compassion and self-criticism on the relationship between sociocultural pressure and body dissatisfaction, but not on the relationship between body dissatisfaction and pregnancy-related anxiety. LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional nature of this study limits confirmation of the direction of relationships between sociocultural pressure, body dissatisfaction and pregnancy-related anxiety. CONCLUSIONS While the findings of this study need to be replicated in prospective and longitudinal studies, they suggest that sociocultural pressure to meet appearance-related standards contribute to body dissatisfaction, which in turn may facilitate pregnancy-related anxiety. Self-compassion may protect the body image of pregnant women against negative effects of appearance-related sociocultural pressure.
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Wellbeing in Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Self-Compassion in the Relationship between Personal Resources and Exhaustion. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031714. [PMID: 35162737 PMCID: PMC8835097 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Italy was the second country to be affected by COVID-19 in early 2020, after China. The confrontation with the pandemic led to great changes in the world of work and, consequently, to the personal world of workers. In such a challenging situation, it is essential to be able to rely on resources that facilitate individual coping. The aim of this study was to understand the association between personal resources (optimism and humor) and exhaustion, and the role of self-compassion in this relationship. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses on a heterogeneous sample of 422 Italian workers during the first lockdown in April–May 2020. The results revealed that optimism and humor were positively associated with self-compassion; optimism and humor also had a negative association with exhaustion; and self-compassion had a mediating role between the two personal resources and exhaustion. These results confirmed the importance of personal resources in maintaining workers’ wellbeing during a challenging period such as the pandemic. The present study also contributes to the body of knowledge on self-compassion, a relatively new construct that has been little studied in the organizational field.
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Adaptation and validation of the self-compassion scale (SCS) in an argentine context. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02505-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Michli S, Jamil FE. Internalized Homonegativity and the Challenges of Having Same-Sex Desires in the Lebanese Context: A Study Examining Risk and Protective Factors. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2022; 69:75-100. [PMID: 32910742 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2020.1809893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Internalized homonegativity (IH) has received increased attention in the literature on sexual minorities. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research on IH in conservative Arab cultures like Lebanon. The present study aimed to cover this gap by exploring risk and protective factors of IH in Lebanese sexual minorities. A hierarchical multiple regression (N = 210) revealed that religiosity, parental rejection (actual or anticipated), and legal discrimination were significant risk factors of IH, while sense of belonging to the LGBT community was a strong protective factor. Although self-compassion did not emerge as a predictor, it had interesting interactions on the bivariate level. Results, limitations, clinical implications, and recommendations for future research and policy making are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Michli
- Department of Psychology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fatimah El Jamil
- Department of Psychology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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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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Boosting Psychological Well-Being through a Social Mindfulness-Based Intervention in the General Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17228404. [PMID: 33202849 PMCID: PMC7697027 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The benefits of mindfulness meditation among clinical and non-clinical populations have been largely reported in literature. Existing mindfulness-based programs are particularly useful in targeting specific populations while researchers have pointed out the possibility of developing programs adapted to the audience and the context. In this two-groups pre-post experimental design we developed a mindfulness-based social intervention program to target individuals from the general population. Here we present a two-groups pre-post experimental design to investigate its effectiveness on participants’ psychological functioning assessed by eight self-reported questionnaires (CORE-OM, FFMQ, SWLS, PANAS, PSS, SCS, WEMWBS, SHS) which encompass different domains of well-being, mindfulness and emotional functioning. Participants, recruited on voluntary basis, were randomly allocated to treated or passive control groups and were aware of group allocation. The intervention comprises a 12-week meditation training in a big group that represents the social aspect of meditation. Data were analysed via a linear mixed effect model and intention to treat. Statistically significant results were obtained for global score of CORE-OM (β = −0.20 [−0.30; −0.10], p = 0.0002), FFMQ (β = 0.20 [0.12; −0.28], p < 0.0001), SWLS (β = 1.43 [0.42; 2.45], p = 0.006), positive PANAS (β = 1.99 [0.95; 3.04], p = 0.0002), negative PANAS (β = −1.67 [−2.92; −0.43], p = 0.009), PSS (β = −2.98 [−4.25; −1.71], p < 0.0001), WEMWBS (β = 4.38 [2.93; 5.83], p < 0.0001) and SHS (β = 1.43 [0.42; 2.45], p = 0.006). Our intervention is causally associated with an improvement of the psychological functioning and hence can be considered as a preventive measure that may potentially reduce the risk of developing psychological problems and improve the subject’s general well-being. Given the voluntary recruitment, our inference only applies to those individuals who have decided to experience meditation as a way to well-being and not to a random person from the general population.
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Abstract
Objectives Healthcare professionals are prone to experience burnout-a psychological syndrome resulting from chronic stressors at work. Some individual differences, like self-compassion-the non-judgmental observation of one's own pain and failure, while understanding that these are part of being human-can protect against burnout. Methods We administered the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Stressful Life Events Scale to a sample of healthcare professionals (medical residents, nurses, and physicians) in Lebanon (N = 93). Results The sample demonstrated a high degree of Emotional Exhaustion (M = 27, SD = 11.79), average levels of Depersonalization (M = 9.46, SD = 6.35), and Personal Accomplishment (M = 34.95, SD = 6.58), and moderate levels of Self-compassion (M = 3.25). All burnout components were significantly and inversely associated with self-compassion, with the strongest association found between Emotional Exhaustion and Self-compassion (r = -.37, p < .001). Self-compassion significantly explained burnout, above and beyond sociodemographic and occupational variables (Emotional Exhaustion: ΔR 2 = .11, F (1.85) = 12.71, p < .01; Depersonalization: ΔR 2 = .07, F (1.85) = 6.73, p = .01; Low Personal Accomplishment: ΔR 2 = .11, F (1.85) = 11.29, p < .01). Conclusions Burnout is prevalent in the sample, yet self-compassion may be a possible protective factor.
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Tanenbaum ML, Adams RN, Wong JJ, Hood KK. Diabetes-Specific Self-Compassion: A New Measure for Parents of Youth With Type 1 Diabetes. J Pediatr Psychol 2020; 45:488-497. [PMID: 32196093 PMCID: PMC7233956 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsaa011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Given the high daily demands of managing type 1 diabetes (T1D), parents of youth with T1D can experience high levels of emotional distress, burden, and self-criticism, with implications for parent and child well-being and parent self-efficacy for managing diabetes. Diabetes-specific self-compassion (SC), or being kind to oneself when facing challenges related to managing diabetes, may serve as protective for parents. This study aimed to create and assess the psychometric properties of a new tool, the diabetes-specific Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-Dp), to assess diabetes-specific SC in parents of youth with T1D. METHODS We adapted a parent diabetes-specific SC measure; surveyed parents (N = 198; parent: 88% female; 95% non-Hispanic White; M age = 44 ± 8.9; child: 46% female; M age = 13 ± 3.4, range 2-18 years; 83% insulin pump users; 40% continuous glucose monitor (CGM) users; HbA1c from clinic data available for 76 participants: M HbA1c = 8.1 ± 1.3%) and conducted confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability and construct validity analyses. Validity measures included diabetes distress, diabetes empowerment, diabetes numeracy, and HbA1c. RESULTS A bifactor structure provided the best fit, with one general factor and two wording-related group factors (positively and negatively worded items). The final 19-item SCS-Dp demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α =.94; range of item-total correlations: .52-.81) and good construct validity. As predicted, greater SC was associated with lower distress (r = -.68, p < .001) and greater empowerment (r = .43, p < .001) and was not associated with diabetes numeracy (p = .61). Diabetes-specific Self-Compassion Scale was not associated with HbA1c (p = .28). CONCLUSIONS Results provide initial evidence of good reliability and validity of the SCS-Dp to assess diabetes-specific SC in parents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jessie J Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Korey K Hood
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine
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The effect of a brief online self-compassion versus cognitive restructuring intervention on trait social anxiety. Behav Res Ther 2019; 123:103492. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2019.103492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Lahtinen O, Järvinen E, Kumlander S, Salmivalli C. Does self-compassion protect adolescents who are victimized or suffer from academic difficulties from depression? EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/17405629.2019.1662290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oskari Lahtinen
- Department of Psychology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Elina Järvinen
- Department of Psychology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Sonja Kumlander
- Department of Psychology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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