The Effect of a Brief Self-compassion Intervention on Self-criticism, Well-being and Psychopathology Correlates


Book Description

"Previous research has suggested that self-compassion is associated with increased well- being and reduced psychopathology symptoms, especially in individuals who are highly self-critical. The present study seeks to examine the effect of a brief self-compassion intervention on psychopathology symptoms and well-being in a nonclinical population. Participants were college students at Eastern Washington University. Participants' self- compassion, self-criticism, subjective happiness, life satisfaction, depression and anxiety were assessed. Participants were randomly assigned to treatment (self-compassion) or control (progressive muscle relaxation) conditions, each of which occurred over four 50-minute sessions. Partiipants in the treatment condition were hypothesized to show significant improvements in the dependent variables measured (Hypothesis 1) and to show larger improvements than controls (Hypothesis 2) one week following the intervention. Results indicated significant improvements in self-compassion, self- criticism, happiness, life satisfaction and depression in both treatment and control groups, supporting Hypothesis 1 but not Hypothesis 2."--Document.




Self-Compassion


Book Description

Kristin Neff, Ph.D., says that it’s time to “stop beating yourself up and leave insecurity behind.” Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind offers expert advice on how to limit self-criticism and offset its negative effects, enabling you to achieve your highest potential and a more contented, fulfilled life. More and more, psychologists are turning away from an emphasis on self-esteem and moving toward self-compassion in the treatment of their patients—and Dr. Neff’s extraordinary book offers exercises and action plans for dealing with every emotionally debilitating struggle, be it parenting, weight loss, or any of the numerous trials of everyday living.




Assessing the Impact of a Brief Self-compassion Intervention on Counselor Trainee Perfectionism


Book Description

For many students pursuing a master’s degree in Counseling, discomfort is inherent in the program and may be heightened by tendencies toward perfectionism. Components of this trait include unrealistic standards, self-criticism, fear of evaluation, and low self-acceptance, which may impede the vulnerability needed to take risks and develop personally and professionally. Self-compassion may decrease perfectionism tendencies and help students support themselves through the difficulties of their programs. This exploratory intrinsic case study used an embedded mixed methods design to study the impact of a brief self-compassion intervention on counselor trainee perfectionism. The experimental group engaged in once weekly 15–20 minute self-compassion activities for eight weeks; students in both the experimental and control groups completed pre- and post-assessments of perfectionism and self-compassion. Quantitative data analysis revealed significant decreases in perfectionism for the experimental group pre- to post-test, with a large effect size and 29% of the changes in perfectionism predicted by changes in self-compassion. There were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups. In weekly reflections and post-intervention interviews, students in the experimental group described the intervention as difficult and beneficial, leading to increased awareness and self-acceptance, and resulting in changes in perspective-taking and self-talk. From the mixing of both quantitative and qualitative findings, this study suggests that a brief self-compassion intervention may meaningfully impact students, though the process is fluid and non-linear.




Handbook of Self-Compassion


Book Description

This handbook examines contemporary issues in self-compassion science and practice. It describes advances in the conceptualization and measurement of self-compassion as well as current evidence from cross-sectional and experimental research. The volume addresses the foundational issues of self-compassion, including its relationship to self-esteem and mindfulness. In addition, it considers the developmental origins of self-compassion and its relevance across the life course, including among adolescents and older adults. The handbook explores the role of self-compassion in promoting well-being and resilience and addresses new frontiers in self-compassion research, such as the neural underpinnings and psychophysiology of compassionate self-regulation Key areas of coverage include: The meaning of self-compassion for gender and sexuality minority groups. The cultivation of self-compassion among young people. The use of interventions to promote self-compassion. The role of compassion-based interventions in clinical contexts. Important insights for using self-compassion-based interventions in practice. The Handbook of Self Compassion is a must-have resource for researchers, professors, and graduate students as well as clinicians, therapists, and other practitioners in psychology, complementary and alternative medicine, and social work as well as all interrelated research disciplines and clinical practices.




Cultivating Self-Compassion and Reducing Self-Criticism in a Brief Intervention for Adolescents


Book Description

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a compassion-focused imagery intervention and a compassionate psycho-education intervention on levels of self-compassion, self-criticism and state mood compared with a control condition in healthy adolescents. // METHOD: Fifty-one participants were randomly allocated to a compassionate imagery and psychoeducation group, a compassionate psychoeducation group or a no-intervention control. The interventions were delivered in three secondary schools in London. State measures of self-compassion, self-criticism, and mood were collected at pre- and post-intervention, and at a two-week follow up. Participants were asked to complete daily homework tasks related to each intervention. // RESULTS: Self-compassion was found to increase with a large effect size following the psychoeducation group but not in the imagery condition. Contrasting patterns were found across groups for different elements of self-compassion. Compassionate behaviour increased in the imagery group with a large effect size but not in the psychoeducation group, and uncompassionate behaviour decreased only in the psychoeducation condition with a medium-to-large effect size. Higher levels of self-compassion were associated with lower levels of self-criticism at baseline, however, no effects were found on self-criticism and state mood following the interventions. // CONCLUSIONS: This randomised-controlled study provided evidence for the potential of a brief compassionate psychoeducation intervention to increase self-compassion in adolescents. The results were inconclusive on the impact of compassionate mental imagery but it may be effective at enhancing the 'positive elements' of self-compassion, including self-kindness, mindfulness and common humanity. The absence of an effect on self-criticism suggests the potential existence of different pathways to enhancing self-compassion and reducing self-criticism. Future research is needed to address the shortfalls of this exploratory study, which was limited by a small sample size.




Mindfulness-Oriented Interventions for Trauma


Book Description

Grounded in research and accumulated clinical wisdom, this book describes a range of ways to integrate mindfulness and other contemplative practices into clinical work with trauma survivors. The volume showcases treatment approaches that can be tailored to this population's needs, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and mindful self-compassion (MSC), among others. Featuring vivid case material, the book explores which elements of contemplative traditions support recovery and how to apply them safely. Neurobiological foundations of mindfulness-oriented work are examined. Treatment applications are illustrated for specific trauma populations, such as clients with chronic pain, military veterans, and children and adolescents.




Erosion


Book Description

"Erosion, Self-Made offers a comprehensive treatment of self-criticism based in philosophy, developmental science, personality and clinical psychology, social theories, and cognitive-affective neuroscience"--




Wisdom and Compassion in Psychotherapy


Book Description

Bringing together leading scholars, scientists, and clinicians, this compelling volume explores how therapists can cultivate wisdom and compassion in themselves and their clients. Chapters describe how combining insights from ancient contemplative practices and modern research can enhance the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, suicidal behavior, couple conflict, and parenting stress. Seamlessly edited, the book features numerous practical exercises and rich clinical examples. It examines whether wisdom and compassion can be measured objectively, what they look like in the therapy relationship, their role in therapeutic change, and how to integrate them into treatment planning and goal setting. The book includes a foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.




Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living


Book Description

Mindfulness involves learning to be more aware of life as it unfolds moment by moment, even if these moments bring us difficulty, pain or suffering. This is a challenge we will all face at some time in our lives, and which health professionals face every day in their work. The Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living programme presents a new way of learning how to face the pressures of modern living by providing an antidote which teaches us how to cultivate kindness and compassion – starting with being kind to ourselves. Compassion involves both sensitivity to our own and others’ suffering and the courage to deal with it. Integrating the work of experts in the field such as Paul Gilbert, Kristin Neff, Christopher Germer and Tara Brach, Erik van den Brink and Frits Koster have established an eight stage step-by-step compassion training programme, supported by practical exercises and free audio downloads, which builds on basic mindfulness skills. Grounded in ancient wisdom and modern science, they demonstrate how being compassionate shapes our minds and brains, and benefits our health and relationships. The programme will be helpful to many, including people with various types of chronic or recurring mental health problems, and can be an effective means of coping better with low self-esteem, self-reproach or shame, enabling participants to experience more warmth, safeness, acceptance and connection with themselves and others. Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living will be an invaluable manual for mindfulness teachers, therapists and counsellors wishing to bring the ‘care’ back into healthcare, both for their clients and themselves. It can also be used as a self-help guide for personal practice.