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The Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis
Abstract
Self-compassion describes a positive and caring attitude of a person toward her- or himself in the face of failures and individual shortcomings. As a result of this caring attitude, individuals high in self-compassion are assumed to experience higher individual well-being. The present meta-analysis examines the relationship between self-compassion and different forms of well-being.
The authors combined k = 79 samples, with an overall sample size of N = 16,416, and analyzed the central tendencies of effect sizes (Pearson correlation coefficients) with a random-effect model.
We found an overall magnitude of the relationship between self-compassion and well-being of r = .47. The relationship was stronger for cognitive and psychological well-being compared to affective well-being. Sample characteristics and self-esteem were tested as potential moderators. In addition, a subsample of studies indicated a causal effect of self-compassion on well-being.
The results clearly highlight the importance of self-compassion for individuals' well-being. Future research should further investigate the relationship between self-compassion and the different forms of well-being, and focus on the examination of possible additional moderators.
© 2015 The International Association of Applied Psychology.
... Distinguishing between positive and negative indicators of psychosocial functioning, the association of the QE with various positive indicators is comparable in magnitude to those found between self-compassion and specific aspects of positive psychosocial functioning (Ewert et al., 2021;Zessin et al., 2015), while its association with various negative indicators is present but lower in magnitude than the associations found between self-compassion and specific aspects of negative psychosocial functioning (Ewert et al., 2021;MacBeth & Gumley, 2012;Marsh et al., 2018). This is not surprising, given that the QE comprises compassion not only towards the self but also towards other living beings (Wayment et al., 2014). ...
... The fact that the country's individualism index reached statistical significance for the total dataset despite the narrow range of scores (43-72) underscores the robustness of this finding. However, this contrasts with the meta-analyses conducted by Ewert et al. (2021) and Zessin et al. (2015) on the relationship between self-compassion and specific aspects of psychosocial functioning, which found no significant moderating effect of geographical region or differences between North American and European samples, respectively. This discrepancy may either reflect conceptual differences between the constructs or suggest that the broad classifications used in those studies are not directly comparable to the more specific focus on a country's primary cultural orientation in the current research. ...
... As age and gender did not yield any statistically significant findings in either of the datasets, it cannot be claimed that effect sizes are stronger for older as compared to younger participants (RQ 2.2), nor stronger for women as compared to men (RQ 2.3). Regarding age, the current findings are similar to those of MacBeth and Gumley (2012) and Zessin et al. (2015). However, they contradict the results of Ewert et al. (2021) who observed an age-related increase in the relationship between self-compassion and overall adaptive coping (though not maladaptive coping) and that of Marsh et al. (2018), who found a reduction in the strength of the relationship between self-compassion and psychological distress coming with age. ...
This preregistered meta-analytical review explored the construct validity and scope of the Quiet Ego (QE), a characteristic adaptation theorized to positively impact individual, societal and environmental well-being. The literature search in PsycInfo, ERIC and PubMed, conducted in July 2024, encompassed published and un-published original empirical data in English reporting standardized effect sizes for the bivariate relationship between the QE and various aspects of psychosocial functioning. In total, 273 zero-order Pearson correlations from 26 studies involving 13,391 participants were synthesized applying robust variance estimation. Results of visual and statistical analyses collectively indicate minimal evidence for publication bias. Accounting for the effect size direction of negative indicators of psychosocial functioning, the overall effect size was statistically significant and large in magnitude (r+ = 0.332, 95% CI [0.282, 0.380]). This suggests a substantial correlation between the QE and psychosocial qualities considered to promote healthy functioning in a world with others. A moderating effect was found for culture, but not for age or gender. Utilizing an organizational framework for human flourishing allowed for more nuanced insights. The findings showed that the QE aligns positively with flourishing-promoting facets of desire, wisdom and well-being. Thus, the present study underscored the broad relevance of the QE. Main limitations identified include limited variability in sample and study characteristics and a lack of data on moderator variables. Particularly, there is a need for further experimental research to causally validate whether the QE truly acts as a pathway to individual and collective human flourishing.
... To further explore these benefits, Matos et al. (2022) introduced Compassionate Mind Training aimed at boosting teachers' wellbeing. Additionally, studies by Zessin et al. (2015) and Hwang et al. (2019) highlighted the broad positive effects of selfcompassion on well-being across different settings, as well as its ability to ease stress among educators. Taken together, selfcompassion is crucial for enhancing the well-being and effectiveness of teachers. ...
... This supportive atmosphere can help teachers better manage challenges, leading to improved well-being (Jennings, 2015;Matos et al. 2022;Rajabi and Ghezelsefloo, 2020;Tarrasch et al., 2020). Self-compassion acts as a protective factor, promoting resilience and well-being, especially in difficult situations (Hwang et al., 2019;Matos et al., 2022;Rajabi and Ghezelsefloo, 2020;Tarrasch et al., 2020;Zessin et al., 2015). We hypothesize that a positive school climate fosters self-compassion in teachers, which in turn leads to greater subjective well-being. ...
... Schools with high collective efficacy often cultivate a culture of self-kindness, understanding, and acceptance among educators (Herrera et al., 2022;Skaalvik and Skaalvik, 2019). Additionally, self-compassion can help individuals cope with stress and manage their emotional responses to challenges (Germer et al., 2019;Neff, 2003b;Zessin et al., 2015). Research suggests that when teachers possess a heightened sense of collective efficacy, they are more inclined to exhibit selfcompassion, potentially enhancing their overall well-being (Rajabi and Ghezelsefloo, 2020;Zessin et al., 2015). ...
This research investigates the relationships between perceived school climate, collective teacher efficacy, teacher self-compassion, and their combined impact on the subjective well-being of Chinese university teachers (n = 617). Utilizing a social-ecological framework, we employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine these relationships. Our findings reveal direct positive associations between perceived school climate and collective teacher efficacy with teacher subjective well-being. Furthermore, teacher self-compassion emerged as a significant mediator in these relationships, highlighting its role as a crucial personal resource that links the school environment to individual well-being. These results underscore the importance of fostering positive school climates, enhancing collective efficacy, and cultivating self-compassion to support teacher well-being in the context of Chinese higher education. The implications of these findings for educational policies and practices aimed at promoting a more sustainable and flourishing academic environment are discussed.
... Previous research has shown that people vary considerably in how they cope with stress, which in turn affects their mental health (Larsen, 2000). In particular, studies over the past two decades have demonstrated the mental health benefits of self-compassion (Hollis-Walker & Colosimo, 2011;Zessin et al., 2015). Self-compassion, a construct with Buddhist roots, is considered a healthy attitude toward the self because it involves comforting oneself in difficult times with warmth, balanced awareness, and a sense of connectedness (Neff, 2003a(Neff, , 2003b. ...
... In terms of mental health and well-being, higher self-compassion has been metaanalytically associated with higher cognitive and affective well-being (Zessin et al., 2015) and a lower risk of psychopathology (MacBeth & Gumley, 2012;Marsh et al., 2018;Muris & Petrocchi, 2017). For example, there was evidence that more self-compassionate individuals tended to be more satisfied with their lives and experience more positive and less negative affect (Zessin et al., 2015) as well as lower depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms (Marsh et al., 2018). ...
... In terms of mental health and well-being, higher self-compassion has been metaanalytically associated with higher cognitive and affective well-being (Zessin et al., 2015) and a lower risk of psychopathology (MacBeth & Gumley, 2012;Marsh et al., 2018;Muris & Petrocchi, 2017). For example, there was evidence that more self-compassionate individuals tended to be more satisfied with their lives and experience more positive and less negative affect (Zessin et al., 2015) as well as lower depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms (Marsh et al., 2018). Regarding individual components of self-compassion, higher levels of compassionate responses were associated with more functional coping and more positive affect, whereas higher levels of uncompassionate responses were associated with less functional coping, less positive affect, and more negative affect (Ewert et al., 2022). ...
Objectives: Previous research has shown that living alone and being quarantined during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with poorer mental health and well-being. The aim of this study was to examine whether self-compassion buffered these adverse effects. Methods: 435 German adults were surveyed in three waves over six weeks. In all three waves, participants were asked whether they lived alone and whether they were quarantined. Self-compassion, mental health, and well-being were also assessed in all three waves. Results: In linear structural equation models adjusted for age, gender, and the respective outcome measure at T1, higher self-compassion at T2 was associated with better mental health and well-being at T3. However, there was no evidence that living alone and quarantine at T1 were associated with mental health and well-being at T3, or that self-compassion moderated these effects. Conclusions: Our study spanned six weeks, and one possible explanation for our nonsignificant findings is that the mental health effects of living alone, quarantine, and self-compassion are rather short-lived. In addition, individuals living alone and individuals in quarantine may not necessarily have been socially isolated or felt lonely, which may explain why no associations with mental health were found.
... When evaluated in terms of these three components, self-compassion involves recognizing and accepting negative emotions (pain, suffering, inadequacy, failure) when experiencing a challenging event, being kind and compassionate toward oneself, and understanding that difficult situations are part of being human (Neff, 2003b). Research indicates that showing self-compassion is positively associated with increased well-being and negatively associated with anxiety (MacBeth & Gumley, 2012;Zessin et al., 2015). In other words, individuals with high levels of selfcompassion can turn challenging life events into opportunities for learning instead of criticizing themselves negatively (Ferreira et al., 2013;Leary et al., 2007;Neff et al., 2005). 1 ...
... There is a negative relationship between self-compassion and anxiety (Mac-Beth & Gumley, 2012;Zessin et al., 2015). Individuals experiencing anxiety often tend to criticize themselves as a coping mechanism for dealing with this anxiety (Neff et al., 2007a(Neff et al., , 2007bNeff, 2003a). ...
... However, there is a positive relationship between anxiety and experiential avoidance, and it is known that as experiential avoidance behaviors increase, anxiety levels also increase (Mahoney et al., 2015;Soltani et al., 2018;Venta et al., 2012). Additionally, it is known that anxiety is negatively associated with optimism (Biber et al., 2022) and self-compassion (MacBeth & Gumley, 2012;Zessin et al., 2015). In other words, university students with high levels of anxiety may have lower levels of optimism and self-compassion compared to their peers. ...
This research aims to investigate the serial mediating role of optimism and self-compassion between anxiety and experiential avoidance among university students. A total of 411 university students participated in the research, with 263 (64%) being female and 148 (36%) being male. According to the results of the mediation analysis, it was seen that both optimism and self-compassion had mediating roles in the relationship between anxiety and experiential avoidance. In addition, it was concluded that the serial mediating role of optimism and self-compassion in the relationship between anxiety and experiential avoidance was significant. The mediation findings obtained in the study reveal that high levels of optimism and self-compassion in university students can help them cope better with anxious situations, reduce their anxiety levels, and therefore reduce experiential avoidance tendencies. This study highlights significant findings regarding the mechanism underlying the relationship between anxiety and experiential avoidance, particularly concerning positive variables.
... The current study seeks to further examine the presumed association between masculine discrepancy stress and men's life satisfaction and to identify a beneficial resource that may moderate this negative effect. Self-compassion is well recognized as a psychological resource that helps cope with difficulties and failures, promotes mental health, and contributes to higher levels of life satisfaction (Ewert et al., 2021;Zessin et al., 2015). Hence, we sought to examine selfcompassion as a moderator of this presumed association. ...
... From the perspective of positive psychology, self-compassion is a significant cognitive resource for life satisfaction (Zessin et al., 2015). It enables individuals to focus on positive experiences, memories, and interactions (Neff et al., 2007). ...
The current study aimed to investigate the link between masculine gender-role discrepancy and life satisfaction among men, focusing on the underlying mechanism. Specifically, it examined the mediating role of masculine discrepancy stress in the association between masculine gender-role discrepancy and men’s life satisfaction. Additionally, it investigated the moderating role of adherence to traditional masculinity ideology in the association between masculine gender-role discrepancy and masculine discrepancy stress, and the moderating role of self-compassion in the association between masculine discrepancy stress and men’s life satisfaction. For the present study, 831 Israeli men completed self-report questionnaires. The findings suggest that masculine gender-role discrepancy both directly and indirectly predicts men’s life satisfaction (via masculine discrepancy stress). Additionally, while adherence to traditional masculinity ideology moderated the positive association between masculine gender-role discrepancy and masculine discrepancy stress, self-compassion moderated the negative association between masculine discrepancy stress and men’s life satisfaction. This study demonstrated how aspects of masculinity are linked to men’s life satisfaction. Furthermore, it underscored self-compassion as a psychological resource that acts as a buffer against the detrimental impact of masculine discrepancy stress on men’s life satisfaction. Therefore, professionals are urged to encourage men to use self-compassion to maintain or enhance their life satisfaction.
... By exploring the interplay of self-compassion and spiritual well-being in this context, the study can contribute to understanding how these constructs can mitigate mental health issues in a culturally specific setting, helping to fill the gap in research on well-being in Nepal's education system. Moreover, existing studies often suffer from small sample sizes and low response rates, with few recent investigations into the link between self-compassion and spiritual well-being despite the growing recognition of well-being as a vital life goal (Zessin et al., 2015). ...
... This finding aligns with Pyszkowska and Rönnlund (2021), who found that increases in self-compassion are correlated with improvements in various aspects of overall well-being. Similarly, Zessin et al. (2015) also concluded that self-compassion is important for individuals' well-being, highlighting a moderate positive relationship between the two. ...
This study investigates the relationship between self-compassion and spiritual well-being among employees of educational institutions in the Kathmandu Valley. A descriptive research design was adopted, utilizing convenience sampling to collect cross-sectional data from 171 respondents via an online Google Form. Data analysis was performed using correlation and chi-square tests in SPSS version 23. The results indicated that most respondents demonstrated high levels of self-compassion and spiritual well-being, with no significant differences across demographic factors. A moderate positive correlation of 0.514 was found between self-compassion and spiritual well-being. In terms of self-compassion, mindfulness ranked highest, followed by self-kindness, with common humanity ranking lowest. Regarding spiritual well-being, the communal domain ranked the highest, followed by the environmental, personal, and transcendental domains, respectively. It is recommended that educational institutions focus on these high-ranking factors to enhance employee satisfaction.
... Sample size was calculated using GPower v. 3.1.9.2 to detect changes in self-compassion. A sample of 50 was initially estimated to be sufficiently powered to detect changes in our secondary well-being outcomes, with power (1β = 0.8), p < 0.05, and given the observed effects of self-compassion interventions on well-being (Hedges' g = 0.36, Zessin et al., 2015). We recruited a total of 66 participants (rounded up to have two even groups of n = 33) to account for an expected 30% dropout (50 + 16). ...
... An example item reads, "I judge myself by what I think is important, not by the values of what others think is important." The scale has more recently demonstrated evidence of its validity (Ryff et al., 2010) and as an important psychosocial correlate of self-compassion (Zessin et al., 2015). ...
Objectives
Self-compassion involves being caring and kind to oneself rather than self-judging during setbacks or in the face of shortcomings. Reflective writing through journaling is a simple intervention strategy that may promote self-compassion. However, the majority of reflective writing studies have examined relatively transient changes in self-compassion after a single writing induction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and participants’ perceptions of using a 91-day self-compassion journal.
Method
This study used a 2 (condition: journal versus waitlist control) by 4 (time: baseline, Day 21, 56, 91) within-between randomized control design with mixed methods. The four time points aligned with the three sub-sections of the journal. Online self-report questionnaires were used to measure self-compassion (i.e., self-kindness, mindfulness, over-identification, self-judgement, common humanity, and isolation) and psychological well-being (i.e., autonomy, personal growth, self-acceptance). Changes in self-compassion and perceptions of the journal were also explored using open-ended questions.
Results
This study included 66 participants (72.3% White; 97% women; mean age = 28.00, SD = 7.72). There were significant group-by-time interactions for overall self-compassion (p < 0.001) and well-being (p = 0.015) in favor of the self-compassion journal group. Most participants in the journal group expressed positive feedback about the journal and noted its beneficial impact on their self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness.
Conclusions
The findings suggest a 91-day journal may improve self-compassion and well-being. Journaling may be one low-cost and accessible way to promote self-compassion. Future studies should examine whether improvements in self-compassion persist after completing the journal.
Preregistration
This study was not preregistered.
... Many studies have highlighted links between SC and several positive outcomes in adults and youths. Extensive research has shown that SC is positively associated with well-being, life satisfaction, self-esteem, and positive affects [3][4][5][6]. At the same time, studies have found that SC is negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress [1,4,7]. ...
Background: Although self-compassion has been consistently linked to positive outcomes in adults and adolescents, only a few studies have explored self-compassion in children and early adolescents due to a lack of measures specifically designed for younger populations. Methods: The current study explored the psychometric properties of the Italian translation of the Self-Compassion Scale for Children (SCS-C) in a sample of 230 children (mean age = 10.52, SD = 1.33). Results: The results revealed a two-factor solution for our data, with a positive self-compassion factor and a negative self-compassion factor, which were shown to be internally consistent. The SCS-C scores correlated with the children’s mindfulness, self-esteem, and narcissistic traits in the assumed directions. Conclusions: Overall, our study preliminarily supports the reliability and validity of the Italian version of the SCS-C.
... Since it has been reported that high SC is associated with greater well-being (Zessin et al., 2015) and that low SC is associated with psychopathology (Brown et al., 2021;MacBeth & Gumley, 2012;Suh & Jeong, 2021), numerous studies have placed much emphasis on understanding how to cultivate self-compassionate attitudes. Systematic interventions, such as Compassion-Focused Therapy (Gilbert, 2010) and Mindful Self-Compassion (Germer & Neff, 2019), have been developed and applied in several contexts. ...
Objectives
Numerous studies have focused on the ways to cultivate self-compassion (SC). Most of the SC interventions were typically lengthy and did not capture momentary fluctuations in SC after each exercise in the intervention. Therefore, we explored the impact of repeated self-compassionate writing as an ecological momentary intervention (EMI).
Method
Seventy-five participants completed a 3-week study with signals sent twice daily, resulting in 1,980 observations collected. During the 1-week control period, participants were asked to report their experiences of negative events, momentary SC, and momentary stress. In the subsequent 1-week intervention period, they engaged in SC writing whenever they experienced negative events. Trait SC and weekly stress were also evaluated before and after the intervention, including a 1-week follow-up period.
Results
Multilevel modeling showed a slight significant increase in momentary SC and a reduction in momentary stress. However, the slope did not differ significantly between the intervention and control periods. Moreover, there were no significant changes in trait SC nor in weekly stress, although the weekly stress levels showed a decreasing trend with a small effect size from pre to post intervention.
Conclusions
This study provided preliminary evidence of the feasibility and utility of EMI in cultivating SC using repeated self-compassionate writing. Although the effect sizes were small, the study highlighted possible approaches to increase the effectiveness of the intervention.
Preregistration
This study is not preregistered.
... The following discussion examines these key findings within the frameworks of self-compassion theory and the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. The significant correlations observed between selfcompassion and emotions are consistent with previous research (Zessin et al., 2015). Self-compassionate individuals were found to experience enhanced positive emotions and reduced negative emotions through three key processes: ...
Guided by the theory of self-compassion and the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions, we aimed to assess how self-compassion is related to psychological distress among Chinese college students. A convenience sample of 2,263 Chinese college students from four universities participated in this cross-sectional study. They completed measures assessing (un)compassionate self-responding, positive emotions, negative emotions, resilience resources, and psychological distress through an online survey platform. We found that positive emotions and resilience resources significantly mediated the associations between (un)compassionate self-responding and psychological distress. Future studies on mental health promotion programs based on self-compassion should evaluate whether interventions for enhancing positive emotions effectively boost resilience resources and adjustment outcomes during future pandemics. For application, university counselling centers may offer self-compassion workshops or groups to college students during transitional periods.
... There has been growing interest in mental health research into how self-compassion-the sensitivity to one's own distress and trying to then alleviate or prevent it (Gilbert, 2014)-might aid in regulating emotional experiences and managing mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression across a range of clinical presentations including autism Galvin & Richards, 2022). Research in samples of non-autistic adults has repeatedly demonstrated that self-compassion is associated with improved psychological wellbeing (Zessin et al., 2015), better adaptive coping skills (Ewert et al., 2021), improved self-efficacy in the face of failures (Liao et al., 2021), and better psychophysiological functioning of the parasympathetic system as measured by heart rate variability (HRV; Di Bello et al., 2020). Several interventions have been developed to cultivate self-compassion (Kirby et al., 2017), with meta-analysis of studies using non-autistic samples showing such interventions lead to significant moderate improvements in selfcompassion, moderate decreases in stress, depression, anxiety, and self-criticism, and large reductions in rumination (Ferrari et al., 2019). ...
Autistic adults experience greater rates of anxiety and depression compared to the general population. Compassion-focused therapy interventions, aimed at promoting self-compassion capabilities, have shown efficacy in improving mental health outcomes in autistic and non-autistic samples suffering from self-criticism that contribute to difficulties in emotion regulation. We explored the experiences of autistic adults during a brief one-week online self-compassion exercise to evaluate it’s feasibility and acceptability through self-report, experience sampling, and parasympathetic activity measured via HRV. Pre- to post-intervention comparisons showed significant improvement in trait self-compassion and fears of self-compassion, but this did not extend to acute measures of psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) nor difficulties in emotion regulation. HRV measures displayed significant increases during self-compassionate practice, although there were no significant changes in physiological reactivity pre- to post-intervention. Experience sampling measures found that whether participants acted on opportunities to be self-compassionate was predictive of concurrent evaluations of affective system activation, whereby acting self-compassionately was associated with greater reported activation of the soothing affective system. Together, our findings support the use of multimodal approaches to investigating the accessibility and efficacy of compassion-focused approaches to resolving emotional difficulties experienced by autistic adults.
... 1). Zessin y et al. (2015) afirman que "La autocompasión tiene una relación más fuerte con el bienestar cognitivo y psicológico en comparación con el bienestar afectivo" (párr. 3). ...
Introducción: Este estudio presenta una propuesta pragmática del concepto del bien como recurso para el desarrollo personal, enfocándose en cómo los eventos y procesos que forman nuestra realidad y nos construyen como individuos se vuelven conscientes e intencionados. Metodología: La investigación es básica, descriptiva y exploratoria, revisando estudios académicos sobre el bien como herramienta para el crecimiento y evolución personal. Se analizan conceptos como el bien, el mal, el tiempo y el lenguaje, vistos como construcciones intelectuales que ayudan en la formación del ser. Resultados: El estudio confirma que el bien, al igual que otras abstracciones del mundo como las matemáticas o la voz interior, es un proceso involuntario e inadvertido en la vida de las personas. A través de la toma de decisiones, el bien se construye de forma abstracta, influenciando nuestra ética personal. Discusión: El bien se muestra como una construcción intelectual accidental que orienta a las personas desde lo concreto hacia lo abstracto, en el proceso de formación de valores y ética personal. Conclusiones: El bien es una herramienta no intencionada que juega un papel crucial en la construcción de nuestra identidad y valores éticos a lo largo de la vida.
... This aligns with Mealer et al.'s (2017) and Wahyudi and Partini's (2017) opinions that an individual's optimism influences resilience. Additionally, Ferrari et al. (2019) and Zessin et al. (2015) reinforce that self-compassion contributes to the formation of an individual's psychological well-being and an optimistic attitude. In other words, optimism can be formed from self-compassion and influences the formation of resilience ...
The rising cases of suicide indicate the fragile mental state of teenagers (Strawberry Generation) when dealing with problems. This suggests that teenagers are not resilient enough, meaning their ability to adapt and withstand difficult situations is still low. This condition is influenced, in part, by a lack of warmth, understanding, and the ability to help oneself (self-compassion). This research aims to examine the influence of self-compassion on teenage resilience. The research approach used is quantitative with an ex-post facto design. The study involved 1512 teenagers (aged 11-18) in Central Java, selected using convenient random sampling. The research instruments used were a resilience scale (24 statement items, referring to Ungar's theory in 2013) and a self-compassion scale (26 statement items, based on Neff's theory in 2003). The instruments underwent validity testing (validity values exceeding the table's R) and reliability testing (self-compassion scale 0.781 and resilience scale 0.786). Data were analyzed using simple regression tests and met classical assumption tests. The research results show that self-compassion has a positive effect on resilience with an R Square value of 0.348, meaning that self-compassion contributes 34.8% to resilience. This research has implications for guidance counselors to provide services to enhance teenagers' self-compassion, thus improving their resilience.
... Focusing directly on self-care, self-compassion is a process that involves being open to one's own suffering (without avoiding or disconnecting from it), generating the desire to alleviate it, and facing it in such a way that involves three aspects: kindness and understanding towards oneself, connection with humanity, and mindfulness (as a state of awareness of our thoughts and feelings instead of over-identifying with them) [22]. Research suggests that self-compassion has a strong correlation with well-being, in that self-compassion practice is linked to an increase in positive mind-states like life satisfaction, happiness, connectedness, self-confidence, optimism, curiosity, and gratitude [23]. ...
Background: Research has shown that 20% of Czech teachers suffer with burnout symptoms and 65% are at risk of burning out, which suggests that it is essential to continue addressing the issue of stress in Czech teachers. The main objective of this study was to evaluate a self-compassion and mindfulness-based professional development program for primary school teachers in the Czech Republic. Methods: Five schools were recruited, two as intervention schools (n of teachers = 47) and three as controls (n of teachers = 57). Teachers completed questionnaires at three time points: pre-test in September 2018, post-test in November 2018, and a follow-up in April 2019. Results: The results at post-test indicated that teachers in the intervention group scored significantly higher (p < 0.05) in self-efficacy and self-compassion, and significantly lower in depression, anxiety and emotional exhaustion, compared to the controls. The intervention teachers were marginally lower (p < 0.10) in perceived stress and marginally higher in subjective well-being, compared to the controls. At follow-up, teachers’ subjective well-being in the control group significantly worsened compared to the baseline. However, the intervention group did not show significant changes over time, which suggests a “protective effect” on the intervention group against worsening during the school year. Conclusions: The study suggests that providing teachers with self-compassion and mindfulness practices can lead to beneficial effects on several outcome variables. Further studies need to investigate if these benefits can be sustained and if they affect teachers’ physical health, their relationships with students, and the students’ outcomes.
... 66, No. 4, 2024, 286-298 287 as a key factor in the treatment of mental disorders and the promotion of well-being (e.g., compassion-focused therapy, satitherapy). Self-compassion is linked to greater well-being (Zessin et al., 2015) and lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress (MacBeth & Gumley, 2012). However, there is still little evidence about the psychological mechanism through which self-compassion maintains low distress and well-being. ...
... Research has shown that self-compassion is negatively related to perceived stress (Bui et al., 2021;Ferrari et al., 2019;Fisher & Pidgeon, 2018;MacBeth & Gumley, 2012;Stutts et al., 2018). However, the causal relationship between self-compassion and various types of well-being has not yet been established (Zessin et al., 2015). Bui et al. (2021) found that people who actively deal with their problems (proactive coping) tend to have higher self-compassion. ...
Objectives
Research suggests that self-compassion, characterized by an open and caring attitude toward oneself during challenging situations, can serve as a protective factor against mental health challenges. In research and clinical practice, self-compassion is typically assessed using the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). Although the short form of the SCS (SCS-SF) has been studied in Sweden, the full SCS remains relatively unexplored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Swedish translation of the SCS in a university student population.
Method
We assessed internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and factor structure using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM). Additionally, we assessed the concurrent validity of the SCS by correlating it with perceived stress and alcohol consumption.
Results
The results of the CFA and ESEM analyses indicated adequate fit for the 6-factor model, whereas the 1-factor and 2-factor models showed inadequate fit. The 1-bifactor and 2-bifactor ESEM analyses also indicated adequate fit, but the corresponding CFA analyses did not converge. As expected, self-compassion correlated negatively with perceived stress and alcohol consumption.
Conclusion
Our findings support the reliability of the Swedish version of the SCS. These psychometric properties are comparable to those of the original version. This validation is essential for its use in Swedish research and clinical contexts.
Preregistration
This study was not preregistered.
... Mindfulness is closely linked with self-compassion, but while mindfulness entails an impartial focus on the present moment, self-compassion explicitly promotes a benevolent focus on the self, especially regarding perceived flaws (Neff, 2003). Both, mindfulness and self-compassion, and practices aimed at enhancing them, have been associated with numerous positive psychological, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral outcomes (e.g., Farb et al., 2014;Ferrari et al., 2019;Keng et al., 2011;Neff, 2023;Singer & Engert, 2019;Tomlinson et al., 2018;van Vugt, 2015;Zessin et al., 2015). ...
Objectives
Social and temporal comparisons are ubiquitous and considered important sources of an individual’s self-knowledge. Yet, comparisons are inherently evaluative and may result in negative affective consequences. In contrast, mindfulness and self-compassion are characterized by a present-moment, non-evaluative, and accepting stance toward the self and one’s experiences and are associated with numerous positive psychological health indicators. This study innovatively examined the associations of mindfulness and self-compassion with frequency and perceived utility of social (i.e., with others) and past-temporal (i.e., with the past self) comparisons across different life domains.
Method
In a binational online study, we examined the associations between mindfulness, self-compassion, and comparisons across five different domains (i.e., extraversion, emotional stability, appearance, professional success, and private life) in a gender- and age-diverse sample at two measurement points 6 months apart (NT1 = 615, NT2 = 310, 18–84 years, 51.5% female).
Results
Results of multiple regression analyses indicated that the more mindful or self-compassionate individuals were, the less they compared themselves with others or their past self (across domains β = − 0.25 to − 0.51; all p-values < 0.001). Contrary to our expectations, the overall pattern of results suggests that mindfulness and self-compassion were generally not significantly associated with perceiving comparisons as less useful (after family-wise error correction; β = − 0.04 to − 0.14; all p-values ≥ 0.008).
Conclusions
The findings suggest that comparisons, when done mindfully and self-compassionately, can be a valuable source of information for self-knowledge. At the same time, mindfulness and self-compassion may buffer against negative affective outcomes of comparison processes.
Preregistration
This study is preregistered on the Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/6hfb2.
... Self-compassion is mainly regarded as a positive attitude and coping strategy toward life. In line with this concept, previous studies have demonstrated that higher levels of self-compassion are associated with better psychological health [10][11][12] and physical health [13][14][15][16]. For instance, Bellosta-Batalla et al. [17] conducted an 8-week compassion intervention with participants, and post-intervention questionnaires suggested a significant improvement in participants' well-being. ...
Background
Recent research has shown significant individual differences in COVID-19 psychosomatic symptoms. However, there has been a lack of studies investigating the influence of physical and psychological factors on these symptoms and their underlying mechanisms. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the predictive role of self-compassion and social support on COVID-19 psychosomatic symptoms, as well as the potential mediating role of sleep quality.
Methods
Data were collected from 636 participants infected with COVID-19 during the early post-pandemic reopening phase in China. The measurement tools used in the current study included the Self-Compassion Scale, the Perceived Social Support Scale, Self-Rating Scale of Sleep, and a COVID-19 Psychosomatic Symptom Diary.
Results
A structural equation model revealed that: (1) social support directly predicts COVID-19 psychosomatic symptoms; (2) sleep quality fully mediates the relationship between self-compassion and COVID-19 psychosomatic symptoms; and (3) sleep quality partially mediates the relationship between social support and COVID-19 psychosomatic symptoms.
Conclusions
These findings not only confirm previous research but also provide new insights into the intricate interplay between psychological and physical factors and their influence on COVID-19 psychosomatic symptoms. The implications of these findings may inform the development of targeted rehabilitation programs in the post-pandemic era of the “new normal”.
Clinical trial number
Not applicable.
... Consequently, those with higher SC experience fewer negative emotions. Meta-analyses indicate that increased levels of SC are indeed associated with reduced levels of depression [19][20][21][22]. In contrast, individuals with lower levels of SC may harm themselves through an uncompassionate approach, showing little mercy or forgiveness, which places them at greater risk for depression when struggling with negative emotions [16]. ...
Self-compassion (SC) and its influence on mental health have always been a significant focus in psychological research, especially given the alarming prevalence of depression among Chinese university students. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between SC, encompassing both self-warmth and self-coldness, and depression among Chinese undergraduates, with emotion regulation strategies (ERS) serving as a mediator. The sample comprised 21,353 undergraduates from Yunnan Province, China, with data collected at two time points (T1 and T2). SC was measured using the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF), while depression was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). ERS were measured using the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-short (CERQ-short). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results demonstrated that the model of self-warmth, self-coldness, ERS, and depression fit the data well. Upon controlling for depression at T1, both self-warmth and self-coldness were significant predictors of depression through ERS. ERS were found to be a significant mediator in this study. The results indicated that self-warmth enhances adaptive ERS and reduces maladaptive ERS, leading to lower levels of depression, while self-coldness has the opposite influence.
... Selfcompassion is considered one of the best coping strategies individuals can use during the transition into young adulthood [17]. However, empirical fndings up to this point only depict the general efect and correlation between selfcompassion and variables of SWB [18]. To further utilize self-compassion as a protective factor in facing life difculties, further exploration is needed to fgure out the specifc role of self-compassion in the coping process and the interplay between variables behind it. ...
Self-compassion is a crucial factor in psychological well-being, particularly among young adults facing various life challenges. This study investigates the multidimensional nature of self-compassion and its impact on flourishing and life satisfaction in 994 college students. We found that the Self-Compassion Scale is best understood as comprising separate “protective” (e.g., self-acceptance and kindness) and “vulnerability” (e.g., self-criticism) factors. Both men and women interpreted the scale similarly, suggesting a shared understanding of self-compassion. However, gender differences emerged in how these dimensions relate to well-being. The “protective” dimension positively influenced flourishing and life satisfaction for both genders. Notably, for women, managing “vulnerability” was a stronger predictor of life satisfaction compared to men. This highlights the importance of fostering self-compassion, particularly by addressing the vulnerability factor, to enhance women’s overall well-being. The study emphasizes the need to consider the multidimensional nature of self-compassion and gender differences when examining its relationship with well-being.
... A self-compassionate mindset can thus help individuals manage the setbacks they experience in work by mitigating the negative feelings that are related to it (Ginting-Szczesny et al., 2023). By weakening the effects of negative experiences through cognitive-emotional reframing, rather than amplifying the positive experiences, self-compassion can contribute to a positive mindset (Zessin et al., 2015). This self-regulation could then allow entrepreneurs to keep operating in highly uncertain and challenging work environments, and in doing so, to keep feeling alive and vital at work. ...
Well-being is important to entrepreneurs, yet entrepreneurship does not necessarily foster well-being. Stressful work conditions such as venture distress might put entrepreneurs’ well-being under pressure. Drawing upon self-determination theory, we investigate the conditions that enhance entrepreneurs’ thriving after experiencing venture distress. We test this model on a survey-based sample of 177 entrepreneurs in Belgium who either persisted with their distressed venture or started a new one after their distressed venture had failed. Our findings reveal that personal attributes of self-compassion and learning from venture distress can buffer the potential negative effects of venture distress experiences on entrepreneurs’ subsequent thriving. In addition, this protective capacity is not mitigated by the failure of the distressed venture. We further discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
JEL CLASSIFICATION: L26, M13, I31
... Studi literatur menunjukkan bahwa kesejahteraan (well-being) tidak hanya terkait dengan kemampuan individu dalam mengatur tujuan yang ingin dicapai, tetapi juga dengan kemampuan individu dalam merespons tekanan dan tantangan yang timbul (Neely, Schallert, Mohammed, Roberts, & Chen dalam Zulfa & Prastuti, 2020). Kemampuan individu untuk menyeimbangkan evaluasi positif dan negatif terhadap situasi kehidupan dapat meningkatkan kesejahteraan (well-being) mereka (Zessin, Dickhäuser, & Garbade, 2015). Peningkatan wellbeing ini mencerminkan peningkatan tingkat flourishing individu. ...
Flourishing is an important construct for students to have, because it has a positive impact or influence on them. These impacts include the good influence of flourishing on academic achievement and improving student performance. This research aims to determine the relationship between spirituality and social support and the flourishing of students who join student organizations. This research uses a correlational quantitative approach with 92 students as respondents who are currently actively participating in student organizations. The instruments used in this research were the flourishing scale (α = 0.832), the spirituality scale (α = 0.936) and the social support scale (α = 0.900). The data collection technique uses non-probability sampling techniques, especially purposive sampling techniques. In analyzing the data, researchers used multiple linear regression test techniques. The research results show that there is a relationship between spirituality and social support and the flourishing of students who join student organizations.
The impact of family‐supportive supervision at the team level has largely not been explored. Since teams are the cornerstone of organizational effectiveness, it is critical to understand how family‐supportive managers can lead teams to achieve higher performance. We develop and test a team‐level moderated mediation model that unpacks the team‐level impact of Family Supportive Supervisor Behaviours (FSSB) on team performance. Drawing on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, we hypothesize that a team's other‐focused emotional climate mediates the positive effects of team FSSB on team performance and that managers' relational job characteristics attenuate the positive influence of team FSSB. Results from a two‐wave, multi‐source study of 435 employees and their managers across 56 electronic retail stores support our predictions. These findings advance current multi‐level theorizing on FSSB by shedding new light on how and when family‐supportive managers can drive team performance. The implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Healthcare workers globally grapple with escalating stress and burnout. This article explores the Well-being Coaching Program (WBCP), designed to boost healthcare worker well-being. The WBCP focuses on Self-leadership using the Compassion, Presence, and Recovery framework. Phases I and II assessments indicate promising, sustained enhancements in stress, engagement, burnout, self-leadership, and self-compassion. This study underscores the crucial role of shared responsibility and leadership support in cultivating a resilient healthcare workforce, ultimately benefiting patient care.
Günümüzün hızla değişen ve karmaşık iş dünyasında, örgütlerin başarısı yalnızca finansal performanslarına değil, aynı zamanda çalışanlarının refahına, motivasyonuna ve uyum yeteneklerine de bağlıdır. Bu bağlamda, örgütsel davranış disiplini, bireylerin, grupların ve örgütlerin karmaşık etkileşimlerini anlamak ve yönetmek için kritik bir öneme sahiptir. Elinizdeki bu kitap, Örgütsel Davranışta Güncel Konular, çağdaş iş yaşamının getirdiği önemli sorunları ve fırsatları ele alarak bu alandaki bilgi birikimine katkıda bulunmayı amaçlamaktadır. Kitabımızda , "İşletme Hastalıkları Bağlamında: Örgütsel Körlük ve Silo Sendromu" bölümünde etkili bilgi paylaşımını ve işbirliğini engelleyen yaygın sorunları ele alınıyor. "İçten Dışa: Özşefkat ve Şefkatli Liderlik" bölümü, bireylerin ve liderlerin duygusal zekâlarını ve empati yeteneklerini geliştirerek daha sağlıklı ve üretken bir çalışma ortamı yaratmanın önemini vurguluyor. "İşyeri Kıskançlığının İşyeri Engellerine Etkisinde Örgütsel Sadakatin Rolü" bölümü, işyeri kıskançlığının yıkıcı etkilerini ve örgütsel sadakatin bu etkileri nasıl azaltabileceğini inceliyor. "Bireyin İnşası: Kişilik, Kuramlar ve Ölçüm Yaklaşımları" bölümü ise, bireysel farklılıkların anlaşılmasında temel olan kişilik kuramlarını ve ölçüm yöntemlerini ele alarak, okuyuculara insan davranışının karmaşıklığını kavrama konusunda derinlemesine bir bakış açısı sunuyor. "Ay Işığında Çalışmak: Nedenleri ve Sonuçları ile Bir Değerlendirme" bölümü, günümüzde giderek yaygınlaşan ek iş yapma trendini ve bunun iş-yaşam dengesi, performans ve örgütsel bağlılık üzerindeki etkilerini inceliyor. Bu kitap, hem akademik çevreler hem de iş dünyası profesyonelleri için değerli bir kaynak olmayı hedeflemektedir. Örgütsel davranış alanındaki güncel araştırmalara ve uygulamalara dayanan bu çalışma, okuyucuların modern işyerinin dinamiklerini daha iyi anlamalarına ve daha etkili stratejiler geliştirmelerine yardımcı olacaktır. Kitabımızın, örgütsel davranış alanındaki bilgi birikimine katkıda bulunacağına ve okuyucularımız için ufuk açıcı bir kaynak olacağına inanıyoruz. Saygılarımla Editör Doç. Dr. Ayşe İpek KOCA BALLI
Gaslighting is an understudied form of psychological violence aimed to reduce victims’ autonomy, decision-making ability, security, and belief in their own perceptions. Although it leads to negative psychological, relational, and health consequences, few studies have examined the protective variables of this form of violence. The present study aims to analyze the role of self-compassion and social support (from family, friends, and significant others) in predicting gaslighting experiences, psychological health, and eudaimonic well-being among young Italian women. The mediational role of the gaslighting experience was examined. Participants (251 women, mean age = 38.72) completed an online survey assessing the variables of interest. Path analysis showed that participants’ self-compassion and perceived social support from family and significant others (but not one from friends) were negatively and significantly associated with gaslighting experience. Gaslighting experience emerged as a significant and negative predictor of both psychological health and eudaimonic well-being. Gaslighting experience partially mediated the relationship among self-compassion and both psychological health and eudaimonic well-being, and totally mediated the association among perceived social support (from family and from significant others) and both psychological health and eudaimonic well-being. This is one of the few studies that allowed to identify the important role of some interpersonal (i.e., social support) and intrapersonal (i.e., self-compassion) factors in predicting gaslighting experience. Our findings could be useful in designing preventive programs aimed to increase women’s abilities to cope with the potential manipulative intentions of their partner with positive consequences on their health and well-being.
Limited access to social services often hinders women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) from seeking support. This mixed‐methods (survey‐ and interview‐based) study investigated the impact of a no‐cost, one‐month, self‐directed self‐compassion intervention on women experiencing IPV compared with women in non‐violent relationships. Among the 28 participants ( n = 15 non‐IPV, n = 13 IPV), significant improvements were noted in total self‐compassion scores ( F (2,52) = 6.126, p = 0.004, η ² p = 0.18), and specific domains such as self‐kindness ( F (2,52) = 6.552, p = 0.003, η ² p = 0.20) and over‐identification ( F (2,52) = 4.251, p = 0.020, η ² p = 0.14) over time. Interview findings indicated that women perceived meaningful improvements in their mental health and resilience because of the intervention, with some women in violent relationships reporting that the intervention facilitated leaving the relationship. This intervention demonstrates strong potential as an accessible, effective health promotion intervention for women in violent relationships.
Subjective well being is one of the important factors in students with single parent because it is related to getting happiness and avoiding pain. This study aims to determine whether there is a relationship between self compassion and subjective well being in students with single parent. Quantitative research method with the number of respondents as many as 115 students with single parent who were taken with snowball sampling technique. The research scale uses a self compassion scale developed by the researcher and uses a subjective well being scale. Data analysis techniques using product moment correlation analysis. The results showed a positive and significant relationship between self compassion and subjective well being in students with single parent. Self compassion helps increase positive feelings and reduce negative feelings felt to achieve subjective well being in students with single parent. Abstrak Subjective well being merupakan salah satu faktor penting pada mahasiswa dengan orang tua tunggal karena berhubungan dengan mendapatkan kebahagiaan dan menghindari rasa sakit. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah ada hubungan self compassion dengan subjective well being pada mahasiswa dengan orangtua tunggal. Metode penelitian kuantitatif dengan jumlah responden sebanyak 115 mahasiswa dengan orangtua tunggal yang diambil dengan teknik snowball sampling. Skala penelitian menggunakan skala self compassion yang dikembangkan sendiri oleh peneliti dan menggunakan skala subjective well being. Teknik analisis data menggunakan analisis korelasi product moment. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya hubungan positif dan signifikan antara self compassion dengan subjective well being pada mahasiswa dengan orangtua tunggal. Self compassion membantu meningkatkan perasaan positif dan menurunkan perasaan negatif yang dirasakan untuk mencapai subjective well being pada mahasiswa dengan orangtua tunggal.
In this study, we investigated the longitudinal relationships between self-compassion, self-coldness, spiritual well-being, and burnout in a sample of 154 Taiwanese clergy aged 26 to 72 years old ( M = 45.1, SD = 10.8). Results from the bivariate analysis revealed that self-compassion was positively associated with spiritual well-being and negatively associated with burnout. On the contrary, self-coldness was positively correlated with burnout and negatively correlated with spiritual well-being. We then ran a cross-lagged model analysis to examine the longitudinal and reciprocal relationships among the studied variables. Results revealed that clergy’s self-reported self-compassion at baseline predicted higher levels of spiritual well-being 8 months later. Furthermore, clergy burnout at baseline predicted lower levels of self-compassion and spiritual well-being 8 months later. Practical implications of promoting clergy spiritual well-being and protecting them against burnout were discussed.
Many recently published reports and studies highlight the increase in internalizing and externalizing problems in children. Children need to work on emotions and acquire methods of regulating and expressing emotions. Research has proven that, in addition to many methods and strategies, compassion-based approaches contribute to the development of emotional skills and the reduction of problems. Self-compassion is considered an emotion regulation skill and plays an important role in reducing negative characteristics such as anxiety, depression, rumination and supporting well-being. However, studies conducted in this direction with children in early childhood remain limited. In this section, self-compassion and its components, the development of self-compassion in early childhood will be explained, and suggestions for supporting self-compassion in the classroom environment will be included.
Developmental stages present challenges that prepare the individual for new roles. Self-compassion may be a protective factor across this process. The present study aims to: (1) compare self-compassion scores in adolescence, young adulthood, adulthood, and older adulthood using a cross-sectional design and a continuous multigenerational sample; (2) study gender comparisons across age-groups; and (3) study gender comparisons within each age-group. The sample included 242 adolescents, 239 young adults, 208 adults, and 198 older adults. Participants answered the Self-Compassion Scale. Whereas Overall Self-compassion was similar for all age-groups, differences were found in Self-judgment, Common Humanity, Mindfulness, and Over-identification. Comparisons across age-groups for Isolation and Over-identification suggested that, as they age, female individuals develop self-compassion, whereas male individuals may struggle to be self-compassionate. Comparisons within age-groups suggested that, particularly, female adolescents and male adults may struggle the most to be self-compassionate. These findings may inform targeting specific needs, according to age and gender.
Objective
Self‐compassion can help people when they make mistakes, but does it affect how people respond when falsely accused of making a mistake? In this research, we tested the hypothesis that self‐compassion is associated with lower levels of anger after a false accusation which, in turn, lowers the likelihood that people will attempt to challenge the accusation.
Method
In Studies 1A ( N = 422) and 1B ( N = 492), participants imagined that they were playing in an important tennis match and were falsely accused by an official of making an error. In Study 2 ( N = 346), participants completed an online survey that, at one point, displayed a message accusing them of plagiarizing one of their responses.
Results
In all studies, self‐compassion assessed prior to the accusation was negatively associated with levels of anger following the accusation. Anger, in turn, was positively associated with intentions to challenge the accusation (Studies 1A and 1B) and with the likelihood that participants brought the false accusation to our attention when given an opportunity to do so (Study 2).
Conclusion
This research shows that highly self‐compassionate people are not always ferocious and may be susceptible to being taken advantage of when facing false accusations.
Background:
Resilience can protect individuals from the negative impact of adversity, facilitating a swift recovery. The exploration of protective factors contributing to resilience has been a central focus of research. Self-compassion, a positive psychological construct that involves treating oneself with kindness, holds the potential to bolster resilience. Although several studies have indicated an association between self-compassion and resilience, there is a lack of systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining this relationship and the potential moderators and mechanisms.
Objective:
This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the relationship between self-compassion and resilience in the general population, perform a meta-analysis to quantify the effect size of their association, and explore potential moderators (eg, age, gender, culture, and health status) and mediators.
Methods:
We will search the Web of Science, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, and CNKI databases for peer-reviewed studies (including observational and experimental studies) that examined the relationship between self-compassion and resilience, with no language restrictions. There are no restrictions regarding participants’ age, gender, culture, or health status. Qualitative studies, conference abstracts, review articles, case reports, and editorials will be excluded. Two reviewers (XL and JH) will independently screen the literature, extract data, and assess the quality of the eligible studies. If possible, the pooled effect size between self-compassion and resilience will be meta-analyzed using a random-effect model. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis will be conducted to examine the moderating roles of age, gender, culture, health status, and other potential moderators. The characteristics and main findings of eligible studies will be summarized in tables and narrative descriptions. Results from the meta-analysis, meta-regression, and subgroup analysis will be presented quantitatively.
Results:
We registered our protocol with PROSPERO, conducted the search, and initiated the screening in April 2024. We expect to start data analysis in October 2024 and finalize the review by March 2025.
Conclusions:
The systematic review and meta-analysis will provide evidence on the protective role of self-compassion in resilience under adversity. Our investigation into potential moderators will highlight the contexts and groups where the benefits of self-compassion can be maximized. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights for health care professionals and stakeholders, informing the development of interventions aimed at enhancing resilience by fostering self-compassion.
Self-compassion is an individual’s ability to exercise mindfulness and self-kindness toward their own suffering, and it has been well-established as a protective factor for psychological well-being. Parents’ self-compassion may be especially important for emotion-related parenting practices, as parents’ own emotions may impact how they respond to their children’s emotions. Parent emotion socialization has implications for youth emotion regulation and psychosocial adjustment. The present study examined the effects of parent self-compassion on parent emotion socialization and its indirect effect on adolescent emotion dysregulation, using the PROCESS macro. Adolescents (n = 141; M = 14.56 years; 65% cisgender male) and their parents completed questionnaires via the Qualtrics platform in the United States. Parent self-compassion directly related to less unsupportive emotion socialization responses and adolescent emotion dysregulation, but it was unrelated to supportive emotion socialization. Parent self-compassion indirectly related to lower adolescent emotion dysregulation through unsupportive parent emotion socialization, but not supportive parent emotion socialization. Parents’ self-compassion mitigated unsupportive emotion socialization behaviors in a manner that corresponded to less adolescent emotion dysregulation. These findings represent an important addition to existing theoretical models of parent characteristics relevant for parent emotion socialization. Bolstering parent self-compassion is a possible avenue to support adaptive emotion-related parenting practices and adolescent psychosocial adjustment.
This chapter examines the integration of key Islāmic virtues, compassion (rahmah), forgiveness (istighfar), gratitude (shukr), hope (raja), and patience (sabr) within the framework of Islāmic psychotherapy. It begins by exploring rahmah, highlighting its alignment with emotional resilience, empathy, and ethical conduct. Moving to istighfar, the chapter outlines an Islāmic process model for forgiveness, emphasising its role in emotional healing and mental health. Shukr is discussed next, focusing on its ability to foster positive emotions and enhance life satisfaction. The practical integration of gratitude into Islāmic psychotherapy is then provided, offering strategies to cultivate a grateful mindset. The chapter then examines the healing power of hope (raja), illustrating its importance for personal transformation and resilience. Practical approaches for nurturing hope in therapy are presented, showing how hope can be a catalyst for overcoming challenges. The wisdom of patience (sabr) is subsequently explored, linking it to psychological coping mechanisms and emotional regulation. The integration of sabr into therapy is discussed, providing tools to cultivate patience and foster emotional well-being. Concluding, the chapter highlights the profound intersection of these Islāmic virtues with contemporary psychological practices. By offering practical guidance for integrating these virtues into psychotherapy, it empowers therapists and clients alike to harness the transformative potential of these timeless principles, fostering resilience, emotional well-being, and psychospiritual growth.
Introduction: Guided contact with nature has positive effects on well-being. Little is known about the effectiveness of adding nature-based interventions to inpatient treatment for depression. Therefore, we evaluated a mindfulness- and relaxation-based nature intervention for depressed patients in psychosomatic rehabilitation treatment.
Method: Psychosomatic rehabilitation inpatients with depression were allocated to either a Greencare mindfulness- and relaxation-based nature intervention (n = 116) or to treatment as usual plus waitlist control group (TAU+WL) (n = 111) in two centres. All patients received questionnaires on admission (T1) and discharge (T2). Greencare patients received follow-up questionnaires three months after the intervention (T3). Main outcome was mood, assessed by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Secondary outcomes were depression, mindfulness, state self-compassion, and contact with nature. Data were analysed as intent-to-treat using mixed models for repeated measures, adjusted for propensity score and centre. Patients’ ratings of the effectiveness of the sessions and their well-being, and situational aspects of each session, were recorded.
Results: We found significant interactions of time*group for PANAS, showing greater positive affect (Cohen’s d at T2 = 0.48) and lower negative affect (Cohen’s d at T2 = 0.52) in the Greencare group compared to the TAU+WL group at T2. At follow-up (T3), the effects in the Greencare group decreased, but remained significant compared to T1. Significant results for self-compassion and non-significant effects for depression and mindfulness were found. The groups did not differ in the amount of contact with nature. Sensitivity analyses revealed more favourable follow-up effects for patients with higher levels of depression. Patients reported high ratings of effectiveness and well-being for each session, and these ratings were not related to the weather conditions. No adverse events were reported.
Discussion: Depressed inpatients benefitted from a Greencare mindfulness- and relaxation-based nature intervention by improving positive and negative affect. The effects were slightly reduced after three months, but less in patients with higher levels of depression on admission. Results show that the intervention is feasible and effective even for patients with higher symptom burden.
Trial Registration: German Clinical Trials Register (trial registration number: DRKS00023369, universal trial registration number: U1111-1260-7305)
Keywords: depression; inpatients; nature-based intervention; mindfulness; relaxation; controlled clinical trial
Alanyazın incelendiğinde, ülkemizde bireylerin öz-merhamet düzeylerini
belirlemeye yarayan orijinal ve kültüre uygun bir ölçeğin bulunmadığı görülmüştür.
Bu yüzden, bu araştırmada yetişkin bireylerin öz-merhamet seviyelerini belirlemek
için kullanılabilecek bir ölçeğin geliştirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmanın yöntem
kısmında ölçek geliştirme süreci takip edilmiştir. Araştırmaya 477 yetişkin
katılmıştır. Veri analizinde açımlayıcı ve doğrulayıcı faktör analizi kullanılmış ve
güvenirlik katsayısı incelenmiştir. Analiz sonucunda dört faktörlü ve 12 maddeden
oluşan bir ölçek ortaya konulmuştur. Söz konusu ölçeğin yetişkinlerin öz-merhamet
seviyelerini belirlemek için uygun bir ölçme aracı olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Ölçek
uygulanırken alınabilecek en düşük puan 12, en yüksek puan ise 60 olarak
hesaplanmıştır. Ayrıca ölçekten alınan puan arttıkça öz-merhamet düzeyinin de
arttığı anlamına gelmektedir.
Abstract
Upon examining the literature, it has been observed that there is no original and
culturally appropriate scale in our country to determine individuals' levels of self-compassion. Therefore, this research aims to develop a scale that can be used to
determine the self-compassion levels of adult individuals. The scale development
process was followed in the methodology section of the research. A total of 477
adults participated in the study. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were
used in the data analysis, and the reliability coefficient was examined. As a result of
the analysis, a scale consisting of four factors and 12 items was developed. This scale was found to be a suitable measurement tool for determining the self-compassion levels of adults. The lowest possible score on the scale is 12, and the highest possible score is 60. Additionally, as the score obtained from the scale increases, the level of self-compassion also increases.
Mindfulness is the practice of focusing one's attention and energy on the present moment with an accepting attitude and an open mindset. Its adoption is increasingly utilized in addressing health concerns, particularly in the realm of nutrition. Mindful eating seeks to adjust disordered eating patterns by cultivating intentional awareness of the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of eating. Mindfulness techniques may involve meditation, breathing exercises, and simply being more attentive in daily activities. Integrating mindfulness into a nutrition strategy may improve digestion, foster a healthier relationship with food, and lead to making better choices aligned with overall well-being. This critical review aims to examine recent prevailing studies on the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) on weight regulation, eating disorders related to obesity, emotional eating, and diabetes management. For the methods section, the study utilized the Google Scholar and PubMed databases, employing the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) descriptors. The search included articles published up to September 2024, resulting in a total of 122 articles gathered using various keyword combinations. Results show that out of the 122 studies, 28 articles were common, leaving a total of 94 articles. They included 33 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 17 systematic reviews and meta-analyses, 11 observational studies, 14 reviews, and 19 others. The findings from these studies demonstrate the positive impact of MBI on conditions such as binge eating disorder, weight loss, emotional eating, and diabetes-related issues. In conclusion, the review supports the growing evidence suggesting that the incorporation of mindfulness can play a crucial role in managing obesity, eating disorders, and their associated consequences. However, further research is necessary to establish a definitive understanding of its effectiveness and how to integrate it into healthcare practices.
Goal
To evaluate long-term outcomes of Better Together Physician Coaching, a digital life-coaching program to improve resident well-being.
Methods
We performed a secondary analysis of survey data from the pilot program implementation between January 2021 and June 2022. An intention-to-treat analysis was completed for baseline versus post-6 months and baseline versus post-12 months for all outcome measures.
Principal Findings
Of 101 participants, 95 completed a baseline survey (94%), 66 completed a 6-month survey (65%) and 36 completed a 12-month survey (35%). There were no significant differences in burnout scale scores between baseline to 6 or 12 months. Self-compassion scores (i.e., means) improved after 6 months, from 33.2 to 38.2 ( p < .001) and remained improved after 12 months at 36.7 ( p = .020). Impostor syndrome score means decreased after 6 months, from 5.41 to 4.38 ( p = .005) but were not sustained after 12 months (4.66, p = .081). Moral injury score means decreased from baseline to 6 months from 41.2 to 37.0 ( p = .018), but reductions were not sustained at 12 months (38.1, p = .166).
Practical Applications
This study showed significant, sustained improvement in self-compassion for coaching program participants.
Introduction
Positive psychology and virtue ethics traditions suggest that virtue development is a pathway to well‐being, but few studies have examined how psychotherapy in naturalistic settings contributes to clients' virtue engagement.
Method
This study was conducted at a community mental health clinic specialising in contemporary relational psychotherapy (CRP) in the northeast United States. The embedded, explanatory mixed method design included (a) longitudinal mixture‐modelling to identify clients showing gains in relational virtue engagement over time, and (b) interviewing a subsample ( N = 15) of these clients.
Results
Our findings suggest that virtue engagement in CRP emerges (a) within the dynamic conditions of the alliance and (b) through holistic attunement to clients' identities, experiences, mental health and growth in capacities that promote wisdom and flourishing. Clinical and research implications and future research directions are discussed.
Resumo Este artigo teve por objetivo investigar a saúde mental, a autocompaixão e o sentido de vida de professores da educação básica da rede pública estadual de ensino, na capital de Sergipe, Aracaju, e em Euclides da Cunha, Paripiranga e Fátima, municípios baianos. Vinte e dois professores da educação básica da rede pública de ensino dos locais de pesquisa em questão foram submetidos a um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturado, que contemplava dados sociodemográficos e temas de saúde mental, autocompaixão e sentido de vida. Os dados coletados foram analisados por meio do software IRaMuTeQ, utilizando análise da Classificação Hierárquica Descendente. Os resultados foram exibidos pelas classes: sala de aula online e offline ; condições de trabalho; dificuldade de autocompaixão em docentes e sentido de vida em docentes. A sala de aula, as condições de trabalho e aspectos individuais incidem na qualidade da saúde mental desses trabalhadores que, por outro lado, têm o processo educativo como uma fonte de realização existencial. O isolamento, a ruminação cognitiva e a autocrítica exacerbada podem aprofundar essas questões externas na saúde mental dos docentes. Intervenções psicológicas, contendo atividades de autocompaixão e sentido de vida, são uma das propostas elencadas ao final deste estudo.
Interventions for increasing self‐compassion are typically assessed through retrospective reports, which may not accurately capture everyday self‐compassionate behaviour. Our study addresses this using experience sampling to evaluate a brief compassion‐focused intervention's effects on needs for self‐compassion, awareness of opportunities for self‐compassion, self‐compassionate behaviour and emotional responses to one's distress in daily life. Results indicated that the intervention was associated with less likelihood of reporting needs and opportunities for self‐compassion but with no difference in self‐compassionate actions or emotional experience. When participants acted self‐compassionately, they reported more positive emotional experiences after needing self‐compassion. This underscores the disparity between retrospective and ecological assessments, emphasizing the need for interventions to be evaluated in real‐life contexts.
There is efficacy evidence for dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and positive psychology interventions. However, there is minimal research examining positive psychology constructs alongside psychopathology measures in clinical populations. Accordingly, this study examined these associations in a DBT intensive outpatient program (IOP). Participants included 39 adults enrolled in a DBT IOP who completed measures of depression, anxiety, stress, emotion regulation, hope, and self-compassion. Results indicated hope and self-compassion were higher in graduates than in dropouts and were negatively associated with psychopathology measures. The relationship between depression and graduation status reached practical significance but not statistical significance. Two self-compassion subscales, mindfulness and common humanity, were significantly related to the number of sessions attended in this brief program. These findings indicate positive psychology measures possess utility within clinical populations. To accurately assess treatment success, counselors should consider measuring both the pathological and the positive.
Presents an integrative theoretical framework to explain and to predict psychological changes achieved by different modes of treatment. This theory states that psychological procedures, whatever their form, alter the level and strength of self-efficacy. It is hypothesized that expectations of personal efficacy determine whether coping behavior will be initiated, how much effort will be expended, and how long it will be sustained in the face of obstacles and aversive experiences. Persistence in activities that are subjectively threatening but in fact relatively safe produces, through experiences of mastery, further enhancement of self-efficacy and corresponding reductions in defensive behavior. In the proposed model, expectations of personal efficacy are derived from 4 principal sources of information: performance accomplishments, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and physiological states. Factors influencing the cognitive processing of efficacy information arise from enactive, vicarious, exhortative, and emotive sources. The differential power of diverse therapeutic procedures is analyzed in terms of the postulated cognitive mechanism of operation. Findings are reported from microanalyses of enactive, vicarious, and emotive modes of treatment that support the hypothesized relationship between perceived self-efficacy and behavioral changes. (21/2 p ref)
Recent scholars have dismissed the utility of self-esteem as
well as programs designed to improve it. The authors
challenge these contentions on conceptual, methodological, and empirical grounds. They begin by proposing that
the scope of recent analyses has been overly narrow and
should be broadened to include specific as well as global
self-views. Using this conceptualization, the authors place
recent critiques in historical context, recalling that similarly skeptical commentaries on global attitudes and traits
inspired theorizing and empirical research that subsequently restored faith in the value of both constructs.
Specifically, they point to 3 strategies for attaining more
optimistic assessments of the predictive validity of selfviews: recognizing the utility of incorporating additional
variables in predictive schemes, matching the specificity of
predictors and criteria, and using theoretically informed
standards for evaluating predictor– criterion relationships.
The authors conclude that self-views do matter and that it
is worthwhile and important to develop and implement
theoretically informed programs to improve them.
While research suggests strong associations of self-compassion with mental health and well-being, gender norms may hinder the development of self-compassion by women on one hand, and men on the other. This study represents one of the first systematic analyses of potential gender differences in self-compassion using meta-analytic techniques, including whether such gender differences are moderated by age or ethnic minority status. Fixed-effects models were used to estimate the average effect size (ES) of gender differences in self-compassion scores across 71 journal articles and dissertations providing a total of 88 estimates. Results revealed that males had slightly higher levels of self-compassion than females, with a small ES observed (d = .18). This difference was larger in samples with a higher percentage of ethnic minorities. Researchers and practitioners should take these group differences into account in future studies and interventions focused on self-compassion, while not overemphasizing gender differences in self-compassion as being large in size.
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between self-compassion and job satisfaction and to observe whether job satisfaction scores vary in view of certain demographic variables. 300 white-collar workers from four different companies in Istanbul, operating in telecommunication, chemicals, security technologies and insurance sectors, participated in this study in 2011-2012. The study was conducted on a voluntary basis.In this study, Self-compassion Scale, Job Satisfaction Scale and Personal Information Sheet were used. SPSS 16.0 was used for data analysis. Results demonstrated moderate positive correlation between self-compassion and job satisfaction. The results also showed that job satisfaction scores vary by age, level of education and position but do not vary by gender, department, tenure, company's sector and capital structure.
Aiming at the limitations of traditional mental health model, the dual-factor model of mental health (DFM) was proposed as a new idea under the background of positive psychology trend. According to the DFM, mental health is a complete state; subjective well-being should be included into the mental health evaluation system as a positive indictor; in terms of prevention and intervention, the DFM asserted that the decrease of symptoms is only the first step of intervention, and the improvement of subjective well-being should be followed, in order to achieve the complete mental health states and reduce the recurrence of illness. Finally, this paper put forward evaluation on DFM and its future research directions.
Compassion focused therapy ( CFT ) is rooted in an evolutionary, functional analysis of basic social motivational systems (e.g., to live in groups, form hierarchies and ranks, seek out sexual, partners help and share with alliances, and care for kin) and different functional emotional systems (e.g., to respond to threats, seek out resources, and for states of contentment/safeness). In addition, about 2 million years ago, (pre‐)humans began to evolve a range of cognitive competencies for reasoning, reflection, anticipating, imagining, mentalizing, and creating a socially contextualized sense of self. These new competencies can cause major difficulties in the organization of (older) motivation and emotional systems. CFT suggests that our evolved brain is therefore potentially problematic because of its basic ‘design,’ being easily triggered into destructive behaviours and mental health problems (called ‘tricky brain’). However, mammals and especially humans have also evolved motives and emotions for affiliative, caring and altruistic behaviour that can organize our brain in such a way as to significantly offset our destructive potentials. CFT therefore highlights the importance of developing people's capacity to (mindfully) access, tolerate, and direct affiliative motives and emotions, for themselves and others, and cultivate inner compassion as a way for organizing our human ‘tricky brain’ in prosocial and mentally healthy ways.
Practitioner points
The human brain is highly evolved for social processing and these mechanisms are being increasingly well understood and integrated into psychotherapy.
Among the most central processes that regulate emotion and sense of self are those linked to social roles such as status, sense of belonging and affiliation, and caring.
Many psychological difficulties are rooted in social relational problems especially in feeling cared for by others, having a caring interest in others, and having a caring, affiliative orientation to oneself.
Helping clients in these domains can address problems of moods, problematic behaviour and a range of shame and self‐critical linked difficulties.
The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ; Baer, Smith, Hopkins, Krietemeyer, & Toney, 2006) and the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS; Neff, 2003) are widely used measures of mindfulness and self-compassion in mindfulness-based intervention research. The psychometric properties of the FFMQ and the SCS need to be independently replicated in community samples and relevant clinical samples to support their use. Our primary aim was to establish the factor structures of the FFMQ and SCS in individuals with recurrent depression in remission, since Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) was developed as a treatment for preventing depressive relapse. In order to determine the consistency across populations, we examined the factor structures of the FFMQ and SCS in 3 samples: (1) a convenience sample of adults, (2) a sample of adults who practice meditation, and (3) a sample of adults who suffer from recurrent depression and were recruited to take part in a trial of MBCT. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) showed that a 4-factor hierarchical model of the FFMQ best fits the community sample and the clinical sample but that a 5-factor hierarchical model of the FFMQ best fits the meditator sample. CFA did not endorse the SCS 6-factor hierarchical structure in any of the 3 samples. Clinicians and researchers should be aware of the psychometric properties of the FFMQ to measure mindfulness when comparing meditators and nonmeditators. Further research is needed to develop a more psychometrically robust measure of self-compassion. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved).
In recent studies of the structure of affect, positive and negative affect have consistently emerged as two dominant and relatively independent dimensions. A number of mood scales have been created to measure these factors; however, many existing measures are inadequate, showing low reliability or poor convergent or discriminant validity. To fill the need for reliable and valid Positive Affect and Negative Affect scales that are also brief and easy to administer, we developed two 10-item mood scales that comprise the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). The scales are shown to be highly internally consistent, largely uncorrelated, and stable at appropriate levels over a 2-month time period. Normative data and factorial and external evidence of convergent and discriminant validity for the scales are also presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)
Reviews the literature since 1967 on subjective well-being (SWB [including happiness, life satisfaction, and positive affect]) in 3 areas: measurement, causal factors, and theory. Most measures of SWB correlate moderately with each other and have adequate temporal reliability and internal consistency; the global concept of happiness is being replaced with more specific and well-defined concepts, and measuring instruments are being developed with theoretical advances; multi-item scales are promising but need adequate testing. SWB is probably determined by a large number of factors that can be conceptualized at several levels of analysis, and it may be unrealistic to hope that a few variables will be of overwhelming importance. Several psychological theories related to happiness have been proposed; they include telic, pleasure and pain, activity, top–down vs bottom–up, associanistic, and judgment theories. It is suggested that there is a great need to more closely connect theory and research. (7 p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)
Reigning measures of psychological well-being have little theoretical grounding, despite an extensive literature on the contours of positive functioning. Aspects of well-being derived from this literature (i.e., self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and personal growth) were operationalized. Three hundred and twenty-one men and women, divided among young, middle-aged, and older adults, rated themselves on these measures along with six instruments prominent in earlier studies (i.e., affect balance, life satisfaction, self-esteem, morale, locus of control, depression). Results revealed that positive relations with others, autonomy, purpose in life, and personal growth were not strongly tied to prior assessment indexes, thereby supporting the claim that key aspects of positive functioning have not been represented in the empirical arena. Furthermore, age profiles revealed a more differentiated pattern of well-being than is evident in prior research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Although there have been many recent advances in the literature on subjective well-being (SWB), the field historically has suffered from 2 shortcomings: little theoretical progress and lack of quasi-experimental or longitudinal design (E. Diener, 1984). Causal influences therefore have been difficult to determine. After collecting data over 4 time periods with 160 Ss, the authors compared how well 2 alternative models of SWB (bottom-up and top-down models) fit the data. Variables of interest in both models were physical health, daily hassles, world assumptions, and constructive thinking. Results showed that both models provided good fit to the data, with neither model providing a closer fit than the other, which suggests that the field would benefit from devoting more time to examining how general dispositions toward happiness color perceptions of life's experiences. Results implicate bidirectional causal models of SWB and its personality and situational influences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
There are 2 families of statistical procedures in meta-analysis: fixed- and random-effects procedures. They were developed for somewhat different inference goals: making inferences about the effect parameters in the studies that have been observed versus making inferences about the distribution of effect parameters in a population of studies from a random sample of studies. The authors evaluate the performance of confidence intervals and hypothesis tests when each type of statistical procedure is used for each type of inference and confirm that each procedure is best for making the kind of inference for which it was designed. Conditionally random-effects procedures (a hybrid type) are shown to have properties in between those of fixed- and random-effects procedures. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Examined relations between characteristics of personal goal strivings (e.g., importance, past attainment, effort) and components of subjective well-being (positive and negative affect and life satisfaction). 40 undergraduates generated lists of their personal strivings and rated each striving on a series of dimensions. Ss also recorded their moods and thoughts by use of an experience-sampling method on 84 occasions over a 3-wk period. Positive affect was found to be most strongly related to striving value and past fulfillment, whereas negative affect was associated with low probability of future success, striving ambivalence, and between-striving conflict. Striving importance and instrumentality (low conflict) were the strongest predictors of life satisfaction. Possible explanations for the connections between striving fulfillment and positive affect and between striving conflict and negative affect are discussed. It is concluded that the concept of personal striving is a useful heuristic device for understanding individual differences in subjective well-being. The concept is proposed as an alternative to the traditional trait approach to personality. (71 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Within American psychology, there has been a recent surge of interest in self-compassion, a construct from Buddhist thought. Self-compassion entails: (a) being kind and understanding toward oneself in times of pain or failure, (b) perceiving one's own suffering as part of a larger human experience, and (c) holding painful feelings and thoughts in mindful awareness. In this article we review findings from personality, social, and clinical psychology related to self-compassion. First, we define self-compassion and distinguish it from other self-constructs such as self-esteem, self-pity, and self-criticism. Next, we review empirical work on the correlates of self-compassion, demonstrating that self-compassion has consistently been found to be related to well-being. These findings support the call for interventions that can raise self-compassion. We then review the theory and empirical support behind current interventions that could enhance self-compassion including compassionate mind training (CMT), imagery work, the gestalt two-chair technique, mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Directions for future research are also discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
I review the recent literature on satisfaction and happiness, identify some plausible next steps to take at the frontiers of the research field and offer some suggestions to facilitate those steps. Using partial correlation techniques, substantial levels of covariation are found among the variables that are used in predictions of satisfaction and happiness with life as a whole from satisfaction with specific domains (e.g. family life, health). Using path analysis, confirmation is found in a dozen domains for a model which has satisfaction as a function of a perceived goal-achievement gap, and the latter as a function of comparisons with previous best experience and the status of average folks. Using discriminant analysis, satisfaction with family life is found to be a powerful and predominant discriminator among three groups, identified as Frustrated (dissatisfied and unhappy), Resigned (satisfied and unhappy) and Achievers (satisfied and happy).
Over the past decade self-compassion has gained popularity as a related and complementary construct to mindfulness, and research on self-compassion is growing at an exponential rate. Self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness, concern and support you would show to a good friend. When faced with difficult life struggles, or confronting personal mistakes, failures, and inadequacies, self-compassion responds with kindness rather than harsh self-judgment, recognizing that imperfection is part of the shared human experience. In order to give oneself compassion, one must be able to turn toward, acknowledge, and accept that one is suffering, meaning that mindfulness is a core component of self-compassion. This chapter provides a comprehensive description of self-compassion and a review of the empirical literature supporting its psychological benefits. Similarities and distinctions between mindfulness and self-compassion are also explored, as these have important implications for research and intervention. This chapter hopes to provide a compelling argument for the use of both self-compassion and mindfulness as important means to help individuals develop emotional resilience and wellbeing.
The literature on subjective well-being (SWB), including happiness, life satisfaction, and positive affect, is reviewed in three areas: measurement, causal factors, and theory. Psychometric data on single-item and multi-item subjective well-being scales are presented, and the measures are compared. Measuring various components of subjective well-being is discussed. In terms of causal influences, research findings on the demographic correlates of SWB are evaluated, as well as the findings on other influences such as health, social contact, activity, and personality. A number of theoretical approaches to happiness are presented and discussed: telic theories, associationistic models, activity theories, judgment approaches, and top-down versus bottom-up conceptions.
Utilizing sophisticated methodology and three decades of research by the world's leading expert on happiness, Happiness challenges the present thinking of the causes and consequences of happiness and redefines our modern notions of happiness. shares the results of three decades of research on our notions of happiness covers the most important advances in our understanding of happiness offers readers unparalleled access to the world's leading experts on happiness provides "real world" examples that will resonate with general readers as well as scholars Winner of the 2008 PSP Prose Award for Excellence in Psychology, Professional and Scholarly Publishing Division of the Association of American Publishers.
Coding is a critical part of research synthesis. It is an attempt to reduce a complex, messy, context-laden, and quantification-resistant reality to a matrix of numbers. Thus it will always remain a challenge to fit the numerical scheme to the reality, and the fit will never be perfect. Systematic strategies for evaluating coding decisions enable the synthesist to control for much of the error inherent in the process. When used in conjunction with other strategies, they can help reduce error as well. This chapter discusses strategies to reduce error as well as those to control for error and suggests further research to advance the theory and practice of this particular aspect of the synthesis process. To set the context, however, it is first useful to describe the sources of error in synthesis coding decisions.
There are 2 families of statistical procedures in meta-analysis: fixed- and random-effects procedures. They were developed for somewhat different inference goals: making inferences about the effect parameters in the studies that have been observed versus making inferences about the distribution of effect parameters in a population of studies from a random sample of studies. The authors evaluate the performance of confidence intervals and hypothesis tests when each type of statistical procedure is used for each type of inference and confirm that each procedure is best for making the kind of inference for which it was designed. Conditionally random-effects procedures (a hybrid type) are shown to have properties in between those of fixed- and random-effects procedures.
This article defines the construct of self-compassion and describes the development of the Self-Compassion Scale. Self-compassion entails being kind and understanding toward oneself in instances of pain or failure rather than being harshly self-critical; perceiving one's experiences as part of the larger human experience rather than seeing them as isolating; and holding painful thoughts and feelings in mindful awareness rather than over-identifying with them. Evidence for the validity and reliability of the scale is presented in a series of studies. Results indicate that self-compassion is significantly correlated with positive mental health outcomes such as less depression and anxiety and greater life satisfaction. Evidence is also provided for the discriminant validity of the scale, including with regard to self-esteem measures.
Self-compassion and rumination have been conceptualized as emotion regulation strategies, the former effective and the latter maladaptive, however, the relationship between these two approaches is largely unknown. This relationship was explored in 186 participants who completed a negative mood induction, and were randomly allocated to write about a negative event in either a self-compassionate or emotionally expressive way. Results showed that self-compassionate writing significantly predicted improved mood more so than writing in an emotionally expressive way. Greater rumination inhibited the degree to which mood improvements were made after writing, while trait self-compassion significantly predicted mood improvements. The present findings suggest that interventions to increase self-compassion can be therapeutically beneficial.
This article reports the development and validation of a scale to measure global life satisfaction, the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Among the various components of subjective well-being, the SWLS is narrowly focused to assess global life satisfaction and does not tap related constructs such as positive affect or loneliness. The SWLS is shown to have favorable psychometric properties, including high internal consistency and high temporal reliability. Scores on the SWLS correlate moderately to highly with other measures of subjective well-being, and correlate predictably with specific personality characteristics. It is noted that the SWLS is suited for use with different age groups, and other potential uses of the scale are discussed.
This authoritative volume reviews the breadth of current scientific knowledge on subjective well-being (SWB): its definition, causes and consequences, measurement, and practical applications that may help people become happier. Leading experts explore the connections between SWB and a range of intrapersonal and interpersonal phenomena, including personality, health, relationship satisfaction, wealth, cognitive processes, emotion regulation, religion, family life, school and work experiences, and culture. Interventions and practices that enhance SWB are examined, with attention to both their benefits and limitations. The concluding chapter from Ed Diener dispels common myths in the field and presents a thoughtful agenda for future research.
We provide a comprehensive review of the field of subjective well-being in terms of its societal and individual benefits, demographic correlates, theories of origin, and relationship to culture. Interventions to increase well-being are also presented as well as the argument that national accounts of well-being for public policy should be instituted and utilized, alongside economic and social indicators, to both reveal and improve the quality of life within nations.
Researchers often debate about whether there is a meaningful differentiation between psychological well-being and subjective well-being. One view argues that psychological and subjective well-being are distinct dimensions, whereas another view proposes that they are different perspectives on the same general construct and thus are more similar than different. The purpose of this investigation was to examine these two competing views by using a statistical approach, the bifactor model, that allows for an examination of the common variance shared by the two types of well-being and the unique variance specific to each. In one college sample and one nationally representative sample, the bifactor model revealed a strong general factor, which captures the common ground shared by the measures of psychological well-being and subjective well-being. The bifactor model also revealed four specific factors of psychological well-being and three specific factors of subjective well-being, after partialling out the general well-being factor. We further examined the relations of the specific factors of psychological and subjective well-being to external measures. The specific factors demonstrated incremental predictive power, independent of the general well-being factor. These results suggest that psychological well-being and subjective well-being are strongly related at the general construct level, but their individual components are distinct once their overlap with the general construct of well-being is partialled out. The findings thus indicate that both perspectives have merit, depending on the level of analysis.
This study examined the link between self-compassion and the balance of the needs of self and other in conflict situations. College undergraduates (N = 506) were asked to provide an example of a time in which their needs conflicted with those of their mother, father, best friend and romantic partner. Participants were asked how they resolved the conflict (subordinating, self-prioritizing, or compromising). They also reported whether their resolution choice felt authentic, the degree of emotional turmoil experienced when resolving the conflict, and their sense of well-being in each relational context. Across contexts, higher levels of self-compassion were related to greater likelihood to compromise and lesser likelihood to self-subordinate needs, as well as greater authenticity, lower levels of emotional turmoil, and higher levels of relational well-being. With fathers and romantic partners, the link between self-compassion and well-being was mediated by greater likelihood to make compromise decisions.
Recent advances in statistical methods for meta-analysis help reviewers to identify systematic variation in research results.
This article defines and examines the construct of self-compassion. Self-compassion entails three main components: (a) self-kindness—being kind and understanding toward oneself in instances of pain or failure rather than being harshly self-critical, (b) common humanity—perceiving one's experiences as part of the larger human experience rather than seeing them as separating and isolating, and (c) mindfulness—holding painful thoughts and feelings in balanced awareness rather than over-identifying with them. Self-compassion is an emotionally positive self-attitude that should protect against the negative consequences of self-judgment, isolation, and rumination (such as depression). Because of its non-evaluative and interconnected nature, it should also counter the tendencies towards narcissism, self-centeredness, and downward social comparison that have been associated with attempts to maintain self-esteem. The relation of self-compassion to other psychological constructs is examined, its links to psychological functioning are explored, and potential group differences in self-compassion are discussed.
Glass's estimator of effect size, the sample mean difference divided by the sample standard deviation, is studied in the context of an explicit statistical model. The exact distribution of Glass's estimator is obtained and the estimator is shown to have a small sample bias. The minimum variance unbiased estimator is obtained and shown to have uniformly smaller variance than Glass's (biased) estimator. Measurement error is shown to attenuate estimates of effect size and a correction is given. The effects of measurement invalidity are discussed. Expressions for weights that yield the most precise weighted estimate of effect size are also derived.
Hedonic adaptation refers to the process by which individuals return to baseline levels of happiness following a change in life circumstances. Dominant models of subjective well-being (SWB) suggest that people can adapt to almost any life event and that happiness levels fluctuate around a biologically determined set point that rarely changes. Recent evidence from large-scale panel studies challenges aspects of this conclusion. Although inborn factors certainly matter and some adaptation does occur, events such as divorce, death of a spouse, unemployment, and disability are associated with lasting changes in SWB. These recent studies also show that there are considerable individual differences in the extent to which people adapt. Thus, happiness levels do change, and adaptation is not inevitable.
The aim of these two studies was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program, an 8-week workshop designed to train people to be more self-compassionate.
Study 1 was a pilot study that examined change scores in self-compassion, mindfulness, and various wellbeing outcomes among community adults (N = 21; mean [M] age = 51.26, 95% female). Study 2 was a randomized controlled trial that compared a treatment group (N = 25; M age = 51.21; 78% female) with a waitlist control group (N = 27; M age = 49.11; 82% female).
Study 1 found significant pre/post gains in self-compassion, mindfulness, and various wellbeing outcomes. Study 2 found that compared with the control group, intervention participants reported significantly larger increases in self-compassion, mindfulness, and wellbeing. Gains were maintained at 6-month and 1-year follow-ups.
The MSC program appears to be effective at enhancing self-compassion, mindfulness, and wellbeing.
IntroductionHistory and DevelopmentModelling Publication BiasAdjusting for Publication BiasFormal Tests for Publication BiasApplying ‘Trim and Fill’ in PracticeLimitations and Future ResearchExamplesConclusions
References
Offering pragmatic guidance for planning and conducting a meta-analytic review, this book is written in an engaging, nontechnical style that makes it ideal for ...
Seven types of evidence are reviewed that indicate that high subjective well-being (such as life satisfaction, absence of negative emotions, optimism, and positive emotions) causes better health and longevity. For example, prospective longitudinal studies of normal populations provide evidence that various types of subjective well-being such as positive affect predict health and longevity, controlling for health and socioeconomic status at baseline. Combined with experimental human and animal research, as well as naturalistic studies of changes of subjective well-being and physiological processes over time, the case that subjective well-being influences health and longevity in healthy populations is compelling. However, the claim that subjective well-being lengthens the lives of those with certain diseases such as cancer remains controversial. Positive feelings predict longevity and health beyond negative feelings. However, intensely aroused or manic positive affect may be detrimental to health. Issues such as causality, effect size, types of subjective well-being, and statistical controls are discussed.
This review focuses on positive aspects of well-being, or flourishing. It examines evidence for the causes of positive well-being and also its consequences, including beneficial effects for many aspects of cognitive functioning, health, and social relationships. The neurobiological basis of psychological well-being is examined, and recent data on brain activation and neurochemical pathways are presented. Individuals vary widely in their habitual level of psychological well-being, and there is evidence for a seminal role of social factors and the early environment in this process. It is often assumed that the drivers of well-being are the same as (but in the opposite direction to) the drivers of ill-being, but while this is true for some drivers, others have more selective effects. Future developments in the science of well-being and its application require a fresh approach—beyond targeting the alleviation of disorder to a focus on personal and interpersonal flourishing. A universal intervention approach is outlined which may both increase population flourishing and reduce common mental health problems.
The validity and utility of a dual-factor system (DFS) of mentalhealth was explored. Factors were the traditional perspective onmental health, psychopathology (PTH), and the more recentperspective, subjective well-being (SWB). Research has shown thatPTH and SWB are not simply opposite poles of a single continuum,however, the constructs have yet to be integrated.The sample consisted of 407 children in Grades 3–6. Subjects wereclassified as high or low on each construct, offering fourresearch groups, two challenging the unidimensional perspective.Group membership was the classification variable in a series ofdiscriminant function analyses. Predictors assessed the domainsof temperament, personality, self-concept, locus of control, andinterpersonal relations.Results offered strong initial evidence for the validity andpotential utility of a DFS. Results are discussed, as areimplications for mental illness prevention/intervention.
This article focuses on the construct of self-compassion and how it differs from self-esteem. First, it discusses the fact that while self-esteem is related to psychological well-being, the pursuit of high self-esteem can be problematic. Next it presents another way to feel good about oneself: self-compassion. Self-compassion entails treating oneself with kindness, recognizing one’s shared humanity, and being mindful when considering negative aspects of oneself. Finally, this article suggests that self-compassion may offer similar mental health benefits as self-esteem, but with fewer downsides. Research is presented which shows that self-compassion provides greater emotional resilience and stability than self-esteem, but involves less self-evaluation, ego-defensiveness, and self-enhancement than self-esteem. Whereas self-esteem entails evaluating oneself positively and often involves the need to be special and above average, self-compassion does not entail self-evaluation or comparisons with others. Rather, it is a kind, connected, and clear-sighted way of relating to ourselves even in instances of failure, perceived inadequacy, and imperfection.