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Purpose: To investigate the associations among self-compassion, resilience and mental health of community residents. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Voluntary survey of web-based, posters-based platform. Participants: 453 community residents. Methods: Participants living in Kaohsiung, Taiwan were recruited from posters, online advertisements based platforms and were assessed with the self-compassion scale (SCS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25), Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and The Positive Mental Health Scale (PMH-scale) measures during the period from March 1 to October 31, 2023. Results: After adjusting for age, gender and education, stepwise regression analysis revealed that isolation, self-judgment, and control accounted for 14% of the variance in depressive symptoms (CES-D) (adjusted R 2 =.149, P <.05). Over-identification, self-kindness and control accounted for 26% of the variance in satisfaction with life (SWLS) (adjusted R 2 =.263, P <.001). Over-identification, self-kindness, isolation, control and personal competence and tenacity accounted for 37% of the variance in positive mental health (PMH-scale) (adjusted R 2 =.375, P <.05). Conclusions: Findings suggested that components of self-compassion and resilience may be important factors that promote positive mental health and provide potential interventions for professionals to increase the well-being of community residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare professionals work in challenging environments with extended working hours and excessive workloads to provide high-quality care. However, they hardly get the time to care for themselves. Online mindfulness-based interventions—which are not restricted by time or location—can be a powerful strategy to help healthcare professionals. Objectives: This scoping review aims to explore the current evidence about online mindfulness-based interventions for healthcare professionals. Design: A scoping review was conducted. Methods: A literature search was conducted to retrieve articles published between October 2016 and March 2023 in seven databases, including backward and forward citation tracking from the included articles. Among 1,278 articles retrieved, 33 met the criteria for review. Results: Two-thirds of the studies utilized commercialized mindfulness programs (n = 22). Duration of the mindfulness interventions varied from 1 week to 4 months, and half of the studies used audio-guided programs. Online mindfulness-based intervention studies were targeted to reduce burnout (n = 26), and the majority reported reduction in burnout (n = 18). Conclusion: Most studies used individual audio-guided programs that warrant the use of diverse delivery methods such as video media, simulation, and virtual reality for interactions in the future. Although the literature has accumulated evidence for commercialized online mindfulness-based interventions, further studies are needed to develop and test tailored interventions for healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People thrive in compassionate environments. For autistic people, their environments are often non-conducive to care and support. We propose that cultivating autistic people's self-compassion may be an antidote to the mental health difficulties arising from environmental causes. The current study aimed to pilot a self-guided online self-compassion program for autistic adults to assess its feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes related to completing this program. The program was co-produced with autistic individuals. Thirty-nine autistic adults aged 20–77 years (M age = 45.28, SD age = 11.92) completed the online program. They also provided feedback about their self-compassion practices every week. They completed pre- and post-intervention online surveys measuring self-compassion, symptoms of anxiety and depression, positive and negative affect, emotion regulation difficulties, and psychological well-being. As hypothesized, there were significant group improvements in all outcome measures. Preliminary results suggest that the program is feasible and accepted by participants. Approximately half of the autistic participants reported experiences of backdraft, which are adverse reactions associated with self-compassion practices. Based on our findings, we provided clinical recommendations on how self-compassion can be taught to autistic adults. Self-compassion is when we are aware of our feelings and thoughts, are friendly toward ourselves, and realize everyone feels pain and makes mistakes. Self-compassion is associated with having better mental health and well-being in autistic and non-autistic people. But we do not know if autistic people's self-compassion can be improved through psychoeducation and self-compassion practices. We co-produced an online self-guided self-compassion program based on evidence-based self-compassion practices for autistic adults called the Self-compassion Program for Autistic Adults. This program included live-experiences videos of autistic adults reflecting on their self-compassion and self-critical experiences. This study piloted the program with 39 autistic adults. We wanted to see if these autistic adults' self-compassion, emotion regulation, mental health, and psychological well-being improved after completing this program. We found that the autistic participants' self-compassion, emotion regulation, mental health, and psychological well-being improved significantly after completing the program over 5 weeks. We also found that just over half of the participants reported experiencing negative reactions associated with self-compassion practices. We suggested some clinical implications, including a recommendation for emotion regulation interventions to incorporate self-compassion to help promote access to the affiliative system. In addition, autistic adults who are psychologically vulnerable may need to work with mental health professionals while developing self-compassion to help manage the possible negative reactions associated with some self-compassion practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health challenges are common during the perinatal period, particularly following pregnancy loss. This longitudinal study investigates the role of self-compassion in the mental health of perinatal women having previously experienced (n = 45) or not having experienced (n = 123) pregnancy loss. Archival data was utilised to compare levels of perinatal depression, psychological distress, and self-compassion for women receiving psychological therapy at session one and session six. Results indicated that both participant groups reported similar levels on all variables at baseline. There were significant increases in self-compassion and decreases in perinatal depression and psychological distress after six sessions of therapy for both groups. A regression showed changes in self-compassion following six sessions of therapy was predictive of psychological distress, particularly for women who reported pregnancy loss. Self-compassion may represent a viable intervention for psychological distress in a perinatal population particularly following pregnancy loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging adulthood (ages 18–25 years) is a period of increased vulnerability for mental health challenges. A potential protective factor is self-compassion, which is thought to promote better mental health through healthier emotion regulation capacities. However, longitudinal research on the associations among self-compassion, emotion regulation, and mental health is lacking. To address these gaps, a multi-wave within-person approach was used in this study. Participants included emerging adults (N = 1125, M age = 17.96 years) studying at a Canadian university. Random-intercept cross-lagged modelling demonstrated that within-person increases in common humanity predicted fewer depressive symptoms. Conversely, within-person increases in emotion regulation difficulties predicted more depressive symptoms over time, and vice versa. A mediation path from self-kindness to depressive symptoms via common humanity was also evident. Findings underscore the need for a more comprehensive examination of the dynamic interplay among self-compassion, emotion regulation, and mental health concerns while considering the multifaceted nature of self-compassion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a widespread and persistent stressor for emerging adults. Personality differences could inform resilience in the face of this pandemic. Using data from multiple college adult samples measured before and during impacts of COVID, we addressed how differences in hope and self-compassion (a) were related to well-being and mental health; (b) could differ given timing of COVID impacts, and (c) showed interactions with COVID timing. Both self-compassion and hope were broadly related with well-being and mental health concerns. Students endorsed lower hope once COVID was impacting daily life. COVID timing moderated the relations of self-compassion with well-being and mental health concerns. Self-compassion showed stronger positive relations with flourishing and thriving during COVID impacts, as well as stronger negative relations with depressive symptoms as students returned to in-person activities during COVID. Findings reinforce the importance of individual differences for resilience with real-world, chronic stressors for emerging adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on self-compassion across various disciplines has consistently demonstrated numerous self-regulatory benefits associated with the construct. Despite the increasing interest, theory-driven research on self-compassion in the workplace has only begun to emerge recently. In the present research, we introduce the construct of work self-compassion (WSC). Building on Neff's definition of self-compassion, we submit that WSC is comprised of work self-kindness, common work challenges, and work-specific mindfulness. Across two studies, we develop a scale to measure WSC and test its place within the larger nomological network of organizational constructs. Specifically, by integrating COR theory with prior research on self-compassion, in Study 1, we test the incremental validity of WSC beyond general self-compassion in predicting job performance. In Study 2, we further demonstrate that WSC is an important mediating mechanism that bridges the association between honesty-humility, namely the H-factor, and job performance and burnout, respectively. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of our findings and conclude with limitations and future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes complications are prevalent in people with diabetes, causing considerable individual suffering and increased health costs. However, the relationships of multidimensional, modifiable, and nonmodifiable factors to diabetes complications and the role of diabetes distress have been rarely examined. Objective: The aims of this study were to examine the associations of age, sex, knowledge, self-efficacy, self-compassion, resilience, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, diabetes distress, social support, and body mass index with diabetes complications and to investigate the mediating role of diabetes distress. Methods: In this cross-sectional, correlational study, data on all study variables were collected from 148 people with diabetes through REDCap in 2023. Multiple regression analysis and the PROCESS macro for SPSS were used to address the aims. Results: Older age and higher levels of diabetes distress were associated with more diabetes complications. Depressive symptoms were associated with diabetes distress; and diabetes distress, but not depressive symptoms, was associated with diabetes complications, controlling for all other variables. Conclusions: Depressive symptoms and diabetes distress were directly or indirectly associated with diabetes complications, and diabetes distress was a mediator in the relationship between depressive symptoms and diabetes complications. Health care providers can target reduction of depressive symptoms and diabetes distress to reduce diabetes complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by critical trauma and embodiment theories, this study aims to illustrate how an arts-based approach such as body mapping assists in exploring the lived experiences of youth, potentially serving as a trauma-informed approach. This qualitative study collaborated with street-involved and homeless youth (SIHY) who have eating struggles while living in situations of food insecurity and other forms of oppression. Eleven participants partook in three individual face-to-face interview sessions and one arts-based body map activity, respectively, at a local SIHY resource centre in a metropolitan city in Canada. Guided by Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA), our findings illustrated how body mapping (1) enabled a deepened understanding of SIHY's eating struggles as both a form of suffering and an embodied means of coping with food insecurity and other systemic and relational trauma(s); (2) provided a transformative experience leading to greater self-compassion and healing; and (3) served as a trauma-informed method that fostered choice and validation. We attest that, as a creative and supportive clinical and research tool, body mapping taps into the unspoken, expressive, embodied, and somatic aspects of eating struggles, food insecurity, poverty, and other forms of oppression deepening knowledge and informing social work research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mindfulness strategies can have a large impact on emotional regulation, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal relationships. Parents of children on the autism spectrum may experience greater stress, depression, and strained interpersonal relationships than those with typically developing children or those with children experiencing other developmental delays. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and initial effects of a virtual Mindful Self-Compassion workshop for parents of children on the autism spectrum and the impact on stress, self-compassion, parenting self-efficacy, and mindfulness. This pilot study used a mixed-method approach to test this hypothesis. Participants completed surveys before and after the brief workshop and participated in a 1-hr focus group within 1 week of completing the surveys. The findings indicate that a short, 3-day virtual workshop may be effective toward improving parents' mindfulness and self-compassion. Parents reported feeling more mindful in their day-to-day life, more self-compassionate during difficult times, and more patient with themselves and other people in their family. A brief, virtual workshop may be effective for short-term improvements in outcomes for parents of children on the autism spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research investigating potential pathways from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to later self-harming and offending behaviours has inconsistent findings. Past research, however, has not fully explored the interplay between ACEs and modifiable psychological factors, such as shame and self-compassion. The present study explored the relationship between ACE, shame, and self-compassion to identify their role in explaining the variance in later harm in a sample of individuals who have committed sexual offences. Two hundred and fifty adults incarcerated for sexual offences participated. Multiple Regression and Mediation Analyses were applied to establish if ACE, shame and self-compassion explained the variance in harm and explore potential psychological pathways between ACE and harm, with shame and self-compassion as potential modifiable mediators. ACE, shame and self-compassion explained 55% of self-harm and 52% of psychological and physical harm variance. A more complex relationship was indicated for sexual harm, with only 19% of the variance explained by the model. The study increases our understanding of the relationship between variables and potential modifiable pathways between ACEs and later harming behaviours in a sample of individuals with sexual convictions. These modifiable psychological factors could be targeted to increase resilience, post-traumatic growth and reduce the risk of harm in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two studies examined whether label preferences (survivor, victim, neither/other/both) and past assault experience (assaulted or not assaulted) are related to compassion for others, self-compassion, rape myth acceptance, and cognitive distortions surrounding rape. Findings indicate that a preference for a victim label is related to more negative outcomes (e.g., propensity to victim-blame, less compassion for others) compared to those advocating for a survivor label or falling into a neither/other/both category. Furthermore, those who experienced sexual assault have significantly lower self-compassion compared to those who do not experience sexual assault. Implications for the impact of labels are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hemodialysis process can lead to positive psychological changes in patients as they cope with physical and psychosocial stress factors. Understanding post-traumatic growth and factors that may be associated is essential to increasing the likelihood of achieving positive changes in hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between post-traumatic growth and self-compassion levels in hemodialysis patients. The study was conducted with 83 hemodialysis patients. Data were collected using "Demographic and Clinical Characteristics Form," "Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory," "Self-Compassion Scale." Post-traumatic growth levels of hemodialysis patients were found to be moderate. The self-compassion levels of hemodialysis patients were found to be high. A statistically significant difference was found between gender, educational status, economic status, and self-compassion mean scores (p <.05). However, no statistically significant correlation was found between post-traumatic growth and self-compassion (p >.05). Further research is needed to explore the potential correlation between self-compassion and post-traumatic growth in hemodialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging adulthood (EA) is a time of possibilities, self-exploration, and personal growth. However, EA college students experience a high prevalence of mental illness and low engagement in mental health treatment. It is vital to find sustainable ways to increase life satisfaction despite mental distress. This study examined the mediating effects of social support and self-compassion on mental distress and life satisfaction among 200 EA college students. The parallel mediation revealed that self-compassion and social support significantly reduced the negative impact of mental distress on life satisfaction. A follow-up regression identified the self-compassion subscales common humanity (β =.17, p<. 01), and reversed scored self-judgement (β =.13, p<. 05), along with social support from friends (β =.17, p<. 01), and family (β =.32, p<. 01), as predictors of life satisfaction. For EA students experiencing anxiety, depression, and loneliness, self-kindness and accepting that life struggles are a common human experience, coupled with support from family and friends, can improve mental health and life satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between wellbeing and Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU) has been explored in the past, however, the role of the potential mediators of this association is a relatively neglected area of research. Therefore, the current study examined mindfulness and self-compassion as mediators of the relationship between wellbeing and PSU in 220 university students. WHO-5 Wellbeing Index, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale- State, Self-Compassion Scale- Short form and Smartphone Addiction Scale- Short version were used for assessing wellbeing, mindfulness, self-compassion, and PSU respectively. Wellbeing had a direct and indirect effect on PSU. In addition, results supported a serial mediation model where wellbeing was found to influence PSU via mindfulness and self-compassion in a sequential manner. The results expanded the Compensatory Internet Use Theory (CIUT) to understand PSU and have implications for the management of PSU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer victimization (PV) is a common and serious problem in school contexts, which hinders adolescents' emotional development and social adaptation. The present study aimed to test the longitudinal relationship between PV and the increase of depressive symptoms (DSs) among Chinese mid-late adolescents using a two-wave longitudinal design and examine the buffering effects of self-compassion (SC) and parental autonomy support (PAS) on this relationship. A relatively large sample of Chinese high school students (N = 722, 52.1% boys; age at Time 2 = 16.23 years old, SD = 0.79) were surveyed annually at two time points. The results showed that PV at Time 1 positively predicted DSs at Time 2 after controlling for the DSs at Time 1. In addition, SC and PAS moderated the longitudinal relationship between PV and the development of DSs, while such moderating effects only existed in girls but not in boys. Specifically, the positive relationship between PV and DSs was non-significant among girls with higher levels of SC or PAS. Our findings highlighted that SC and PAS might be important protective factors buffering against DSs for victimized girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has indicated the effectiveness of Dialectical behavior therapy in adolescents (DBT-A) with severe emotion dysregulation and other symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The objective was to determine if DBT skills group with caregivers only could influence in potential mediators of DBT outcomes including rearing styles, emotion regulation and mindfulness skills, evaluated in both parents and adolescents. We implemented a 12-week group intervention based on DBT-A addressed to seven parents of adolescents with features of BPD. We tested differences after treatment using the non-parametric Wilcoxon test and calculated effect sizes. To understand individual changes, we reported clinical reliable change (CRC). The intervention was effective for improving rearing styles, emotion regulation and mindfulness skills in adolescents. Changes were stable after 6 months. The intervention showed good levels of satisfaction reported by parents. A short DBT group-only intervention with caregivers could modify relevant processes related with features of BPD in adolescents. Early interventions with adolescents with symptoms of BPD could prevent the development of BPD influencing in potential mediation mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We addressed construct validity and explored the relationship between self-compassion and compassion for others using the two main current operationalizations of compassion (Neff's and the Sussex-Oxford Compassion Scales, SOCSs). Relationships with psychological distress and wellbeing, and potential differences in the association between self-compassion and compassion for others by level of psychological distress and wellbeing were also explored. Participants (n = 811) completed the Spanish adaptations of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), the Compassion Scale (CS), the SOCSs (for the self/others), the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (SWEMWBS), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21). We fitted bifactor models to estimate the general factor of each construct for the different operationalizations, and calculated correlations between them. Relationships between self-compassion and compassion for others from the same operationalization were intermediate, while those between the same constructs from different operationalizations were large. Both constructs showed positive associations with wellbeing, while only self-compassion was associated with decreased psychological distress. Participants with good mental health showed higher associations between self-compassion and compassion for others than those with poorer mental health. Self-compassion and compassion for others appear to be dimensional constructs that can converge or diverge. When they converge, it is associated with better mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subjective well-being influences mental and physical health. Fortunately, interventions exist to improve people's subjective well-being. Emotion regulation and self-compassion are two transdiagnostic factors that impact mental health and have been separately shown to be associated with subjective well-being. However, their combined relationship with subjective well-being has not yet been examined. To address this gap, the current novel study aimed to determine if there is a combined relationship between self-compassion, emotion regulation, and dimensions of subjective well-being cross-sectionally in adults living in the United States. Participants (n = 559; 50% female; M age = 57.70 years) completed an online survey via Prime Panels from CloudResearch, capturing their responses on the interested constructs. Analyses showed that emotion regulation significantly mediated the relationships between self-compassion and various subjective well-being dimensions, specifically, positive affect (d = 0.32), negative affect (d = 1.17), and eudemonic well-being (d = 0.79). Our findings have both clinical and research implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of self-compassion in relation to code of the street, psychopathic features, and masculinity was examined among a sample of 207 African American men. Participants were recruited online through the MTurk website. Using correlational and Preacher and Hayes (2008) bootstrapping analyses, results showed that masculinity was positively correlated with code of the street but not self-compassion or psychopathy. The correlational analyses also revealed that self-compassion displayed a negative correlation with code of the street and psychopathy. Code of the street and psychopathy were also found to be positively associated. The mediational analysis demonstrated that self-compassion mediated the relationship between the code of the street and psychopathy. The potential utilization of self-compassion as a transforming concept is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is a leading cause of disability and the conventional management has several limitations. Recent studies demonstrated the benefits of yoga in psychological disorders. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of the Integrated Yoga Module (IYM) to standard care with added yogic education on lifestyle modification (YELM) in patients with clinical depression. Methods: A PROBE trial was conducted at a single tertiary care hospital in India. Adults aged 18 to 64 with clinical depression were randomized to either an IYM or an active control group using a computer-generated mixed block randomization sequence. Both groups received YELM in addition to standard care and the intervention group practiced IYM, for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the reduction in depression symptoms assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and secondary outcomes involved self-compassion, brief resilience, positive and negative experiences, and quality of life, evaluated at 8 weeks. Results: The mean ± SD age of participants was 32.2 ± 10.0 and 54.3% were females. The IYM group showed statistically significant improvements in BDI-II scores β = −6.7 (95% CI [−10.8, −2.5]; p =.001), resilience β = 0.4 (95% CI [0.02, 0.80]; p =.037), physical health domain of WHOQOL - BREF β = 10.1 (95% CI [0.7, 19.5]; p =.035) and negative emotions (SPANE-N) β = 2.8 (95% CI [0.1, 5.4]; p =.037). However, no significant differences were found in SCS-SF β = −0.3 (95% CI [−0.7, 0.0]; p =.053). Conclusions: IYM as an adjunct is superior to conventional medical management in reducing symptoms and improving positive psychological resources in clinical depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As mental health concerns coupled with inadequate supports have been described as reaching crisis proportions in autistic people, there is a pressing need for accessible and effective support systems. While self-compassion has shown various benefits in the general population, its application in supporting autistic individuals remains limited. This study investigated the experiences of 39 autistic adults who participated in an autism-specific online self-compassion program. The program included a series of five modules which incorporated psychoeducation, meditation, and self-reflective exercises that were completed over a 5-week period. Qualitative data was collected through weekly check-ins and a post-program survey, which underwent thematic analysis through the lens of an autistic researcher resulting in four key themes: the positive impact of self-compassion, challenges faced during the program, recognizing self-compassion as a journey, and the value of program adaptations. These findings shed light on the experiences of autistic adults engaging with self-compassion interventions, highlighting both the benefits and barriers they encountered. The study underscores the importance of developing tailored interventions that consider the unique needs and perspectives of autistic individuals to promote improved mental health outcomes and foster inclusivity. Autistic people often struggle to find the right support for their mental health. We wanted to change that by trying a new approach to help autistic adults with their emotions and well-being. We focused on something called "self-compassion," which is a way of being kind and understanding toward ourselves. This approach has worked well for many people, but we didn't know if it would work for autistic individuals. We invited 39 autistic adults to join an online program that taught them about self-compassion. The program lasted 5 weeks and included educational materials, meditation exercises, and self-reflection activities. We asked the participants for feedback each week and at the end of the program. From their responses, we discovered four important things. First, self-compassion had a big positive impact on the well-being of autistic adults. Second, they faced some challenges during the program. Third, they saw self-compassion as a journey that takes time and practice. Finally, they described how they valued changes to help autistic people engage with the program. Our findings show that self-compassion can really help autistic adults. We learned about the benefits they experienced and the difficulties they faced. Most importantly, we found that personalized support is crucial for autistic individuals. By creating programs that consider their specific needs, we can improve their mental health and make their lives better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the relationship between self-compassion, compassion for others and Burnout in medical students and physicians. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Medicine students and general physicians from two Colombian cities participated (n = 359). The Compassion Scales and the Maslach Inventory were administered. An Exploratory Structural Equation approach was used for validating new measures and testing for relationships between latent variables. Results: Most participants were students (85.9%), mean age was 22 years (SD = 7), 55.2% were female, 62,6% dedicated more than 48 weekly hours to study or practice, while physicians had worked a mean of 10.34 years (SD = 8.67). Self-compassion and Compassion for others action subscales were validated, but engagement subscales of were not. Participant´s compassion actions for others and self-compassion actions are negatively related to depersonalization and emotional exhaustion, respectively. Additionally, compassion dimensions were positively associated with professional accomplishment. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that compassion and self-compassion actions inversely relate to different components of Burnout and could constitute protective factors against the stress of healthcare. Compassion and self-compassion training programs for medical students and physicians might be an alternative to avoid Burnout, diminishing physicians' depersonalization and emotional exhaustion while enhancing their professional accomplishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

University students were at an increased risk for psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a randomized controlled trial, we examined the efficacy of an online Kundalini Yoga intervention on students' psychological functioning. Healthy university students (N = 106) were randomly assigned to a Kundalini Yoga group, an active control group, or a passive control group in a 1:1:1 ratio. The experimental group attended six Yoga sessions over 6 weeks and the active control group attended to six autogenic relaxation sessions over 6 weeks. All participants completed the study protocol, which involved answering questionnaires related to psychological distress, emotion regulation, self-compassion, self-concept, spiritual well-being, and subjective happiness at three different time points: baseline, at the end of the intervention, and at 1-month follow-up. Results showed that Yoga contributed to improving self-compassion, extrinsic affect improving, and personal and communal spiritual well-being, in comparison to the control groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for social anxiety disorder that has been found to elicit significant changes in process-based mechanisms (e.g., emotion regulation strategies), which subsequently lead to reductions in social anxiety and associated functional impairment; however, CBT may be less effective for socially anxious individuals experiencing high self-criticism and low self-compassion. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) has been used to address these tendencies in socially anxious individuals, but research in this area is limited. The present case study examined changes in social anxiety symptoms, self-compassion, emotion regulation strategies, and functional impairment throughout the course of treatment with a young, Chinese American woman using a novel integration of CBT and CFT for social anxiety disorder. The client experienced significant reductions in social anxiety and functional impairment across treatment, which was accompanied by reductions in fear and avoidance ratings for feared social scenarios. Significant mechanistic changes were also observed, including decreases in maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (i.e., suppression, rumination) and increases in self-compassion and adaptive emotion regulation strategies (i.e., expressive engagement, cognitive reappraisal). Findings support the efficacy of integrating compassion-focused strategies with CBT for social anxiety for a young adult with prominent tendencies of self-criticism and low self-compassion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mothers who are breast cancer survivors may experience psychological distress in relation to diminished parenting efficacy. Self-compassion may protect mothers from psychological distress, yet little is known about self-compassion in this population. The extent to which self-warmth (self-kindness, mindfulness and sense of common humanity) and self-coldness (self-judgement, isolation and over-identification) dimensions of self-compassion moderate parenting efficacy in predicting depression, anxiety and stress was examined in a sample of 95 mothers who were breast cancer survivors. Independently, poorer parenting efficacy was associated with more depression and stress symptoms. Within regression models, self-coldness was a direct predictor of depression, anxiety and stress, while self-warmth moderated the relationship between parenting efficacy and stress. Self-warmth presents as a potential protective factor for stress associated with poor parenting efficacy, while self-coldness is a potential direct risk factor for psychological distress. Mothers who are breast cancer survivors may benefit from self-compassion focused psychosocial interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese immigrant survivors of men's violence experience both significant mental health impacts from abuse and barriers to formal services. Therefore, we examined the preliminary efficacy of an innovative mobile-based empowerment-based intervention (self-compassion, health, and empowerment; SHE) that specifically focuses on abused Chinese immigrant women in the US. This pilot study used a two-arm randomized controlled design with repeated measures. A convenience sample (N = 50) of Chinese immigrant women who experienced past year intimate partner violence (IPV) were recruited online and randomly assigned to the intervention or control group (25 per group). We assessed IPV exposure, safety behaviors, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and self-compassion at baseline, post-intervention, and 8-week follow-up. Of 95 eligible participants, 50 (52.6%) agreed to participate and completed baseline data collection; intervention completion rate was 64%. We found a significant group and time interaction for self-judgment (a self-compassion component), with a significant reduction seen in the intervention group compared to the control group. Despite no other significant group differences observed over time, the intervention group showed consistent trends toward improvements in most outcome measures, including specific types of IPV (i.e., negotiation, psychological aggression, and sexual coercion), depressive and PTSD symptoms, self-compassion, and certain components of self-compassion (i.e., isolation and over-identification) when compared to the control group. Our findings suggest that the SHE intervention shows promise in improving the mental health well-being of Chinese immigrant survivors. However, a fully powered randomized controlled trial is warranted to determine its efficacy. Our intervention has the potential to be translated in the Chinese immigrant populations with the necessary organizational support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black young adult women's stress experiences are shaped by intersecting racism and sexism. To respond to this stress, some Black young adult women engage in emotional eating, which may threaten their health. Yet processes in the association between gendered racial microaggressions and emotional eating for Black young adult women remain unclear. In the current study, we used cross-sectional online survey data from a 2021 national investigation of 504 United States Black young adult (18–35 years old) women (98.4% cisgender) to test if the superwoman schema and self-compassion mediated the link between gendered racial microaggressions and emotional eating. Employing a serial mediation model in which we controlled for sociodemographic and health covariates, we found support for the hypothesized mediation: more gendered racial microaggressions were associated with greater endorsement of the superwoman schema; greater endorsement of the superwoman schema was associated with less self-compassion; and less self-compassion was associated with more emotional eating. Results provide cross-sectional evidence of theorized processes between gendered racial microaggressions and emotional eating for Black young adult women and point to self-compassion as one potentially important component of health behavior interventions to reduce emotional eating for Black young adult women who take on a superwoman role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-compassion has previously been shown to buffer healthcare professionals from burnout and other forms of mental distress, yet research is lacking on how self-compassion can be developed and integrated into the healthcare work environment. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the potential precursors, mechanisms, and outcomes of change regarding how healthcare professionals learned self-compassion from attending a 6-week Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities (SCHC) training. Social connections at work enhanced the trustworthiness of the program and helped participants learn to apply self-compassion within the healthcare context. Participants described practicing self-compassion with "small daily gifts" and by offering themselves "grace." They felt their relationships with patients, coworkers, and family members had improved as a result of the emotion regulation and self-care skills they had gained. Findings suggest the SCHC program may address HCP burnout and empathy fatigue by providing tools that help individuals replenish their energy throughout the day and emotionally separate from others' experiences of pain. Situating programs within healthcare settings may help to reinforce and contextualize self-compassion concepts and facilitate the implementation and benefits of these tools and skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alexithymia has an important effect on learning burnout; however, the underlying mechanism of this relation remains unclear. This study aims to examine why alexithymia is related to increased learning burnout. Here, we investigated associations between alexithymia and learning burnout, as well as the potential mediating role of self-compassion in a sample of 466 Chinese children and adolescents from primary and secondary schools. Mediation analysis showed that higher alexithymia was significantly associated with greater learning burnout, and this relationship was mediated by self-compassion. Findings suggest that promoting self-compassion may mitigate the adverse effects of alexithymia on learning burnout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated and evaluated the interactive role of the dependent variable—marital satisfaction—with the independent variables of grace, self-compassion, perfectionism, legalism. The purpose of the study was to bring an awareness and understanding of the variables that predict marital satisfaction. The sample size consisted of 63 participants, 23 males and 40 females, ranging in age from 25 to 64. All participants reported themselves to be legally married, with 46% married between 10 and 25 years. A quantitative methodology was used to explore the study questions, including a Pearson correlation and a multiple linear regression. For statistical analysis, a simultaneous multiple regression was used to examine the predictive variables in marital satisfaction, an analysis of which showed that the variables together significantly influenced marital satisfaction. Independently, none of the variables were found to be significant. The Pearson correlation identified a significant positive correlation between self-compassion and perfectionism and a significant negative correlation between grace and legalism. The findings implicate that grace and self-compassion seem to have had the strongest effect on the model, impacting the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of transdiagnostic therapy compared to progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) on emotion regulation strategies, self-compassion, maternal role adaptation, and social and work adjustment in mothers of premature infants. Materials and methods: This was a randomized controlled trial with two groups and pre-test, post-test, and a two-month follow-up assessment. Included were 27 mothers randomly assigned to either the transdiagnostic therapy group or the PMR group (13 in the transdiagnostic group and 14 in the PMR group). The experimental group received eight sessions of transdiagnostic therapy while the control group received eight sessions of PMR. The participants completed the following scales: Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Self-Compassion Scale, Maternal Role Adaptation Scale, and Work and Social Adjustment Scale. Results: Transdiagnostic therapy was significantly more effective than PMR in improving emotion regulation strategies, self-compassion, maternal role adaptation, and social and work adjustment based on the between-group comparison conducted at post-test and follow-up (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Transdiagnostic therapy was shown to be effective in improving the emotional health of mothers with premature infants and was more effective than PMR techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parents of children with cancer may experience persistent psychological distress and impaired physical health throughout their children's diagnosis and treatment. Objective: This study aimed to develop a mindful self-compassion program for parents of children with cancer and explore its effect. Methods: This pre-post-test study without a control group was conducted with 34 Chinese parents of children with cancer, using mixed methods. Participants received a 6-week internet-based self-help mindful self-compassion intervention. Self-compassion, post-traumatic stress symptoms, depression, and sleep quality were measured at baseline and at 10 weeks post-baseline. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 completers within 10 days after the intervention was completed. Results: Significant differences were observed in self-compassion, re-experiencing, physical depressive symptoms, and sleep quality. Two participants reported feeling miserable or recalling distressing experiences, of which one withdrew from the study while the other completed the intervention. Conclusion: The program could improve self-compassion, re-experiencing, physical depressive symptoms, and sleep quality in parents of children with cancer, which demonstrated the feasibility of delivering a self-help mindful self-compassion intervention through the internet. Increasing retention rates in future studies merits further discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People who have obesity often experience problematic eating behaviours, contributing towards their excessive weight gain. Aims: Understanding problematic eating behaviours and their association to self-compassion, mindfulness and mindful eating is important for the development of future interventions that improve weight-loss and weight-regulation. Methods: One hundred and one participants attending their first session of a 6-session dietetic programme within a Tier 3 medical weight management service in the West Midlands, UK were recruited to complete questionnaires on self-compassion, mindfulness, mindful eating and eating behaviours, such as, emotional, restrained, external, fat and sugar consumption and grazing. Results: The findings suggested all three constructs, self-compassion, mindfulness and mindful eating were significantly and negatively associated with grazing and emotional eating, but mindful eating was the only construct that also displayed a significant and negative association with other eating behaviours that are often barriers to successful weight regulation, such as external eating and fat consumption. Further investigation suggested mindful eating had an indirect effect on fat consumption and grazing via external eating. Conclusion: Whilst, self-compassion, mindfulness and mindful eating displayed a negative relationship with grazing and emotional eating, mindful eating also displayed a negative relationship with fat consumption and external eating. Possible explanations and directions for future work are discussed with an emphasis on the need for more empirical work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite research indicating that responding with self-compassion to lapses in goal pursuit can help people to achieve their goals, there is evidence that people often struggle to respond with self-compassion when it would benefit them. One reason is that people may not be familiar with the concept of self-compassion or may think negatively of self-compassion. We propose that providing information about self-compassion and its benefits can help people to respond with self-compassion to lapses in goal pursuit. To test this, we randomly assigned participants to a self-compassion psychoeducation condition or control condition and then tested whether they responded with self-compassion to a recalled lapse. The results suggested that, although psychoeducation seemed to influence participants' beliefs about self-compassion, there was no evidence that psychoeducation increased self-compassionate responding. This finding highlights the need to develop additional strategies to help people to translate knowledge about self-compassion into self-compassionate responses to lapses and difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This pre-pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessed a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI, "REMIND1.0") during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Twenty mental health service users were allocated to either 8 weekly mixed-mode MBI (n = 10) or treatment-as-usual (TAU) (n = 10). Results: There were significant interactions between group and time (baseline T0, post-intervention T1, and 1-month follow-up T2) across all quantitative outcomes (personal recovery, trait mindfulness, self-compassion, resilience, moods, quality of life, and general health). The main themes that emerged from qualitative interviews at T1 are previous experience with MBIs, features of current MBI, and benefits of personal recovery and at T2 are recollection of MBI content, maintaining regular practice after MBI, and retained benefits of personal recovery. Conclusions: The current MBI is acceptable, feasible, and potentially effective in facilitating personal recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Nigeria, the predictors of quality of life among children exposed to sexual abuse are unknown. Addressing this gap may strengthen the capacity of the health system to care for this population. Thus, this cross-sectional study selected 545 (mean age = 14.4 ± 1.4 years) Nigerian children exposed to sexual abuse. Results show that self-compassion, resilience, and meaning in life jointly predicted quality of life and explained 39% variance. The independent prediction of each predictor variable shows that self-compassion, resilience, and meaning in life have significant independent predictions, with self-compassion showing the greatest independent prediction, followed by resilience and meaning in life. Sex, age, and how long ago respondents were exposed to sexual abuse jointly predicted quality of life and explained 6% variance. However, how long ago respondents were exposed to sexual abuse shows a significant independent prediction. Results offer clinical implications that may strengthen the capacity of the health system to care for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of aggression in adolescents is on the rise, and it could be a serious public health concern. Studies have found positive relationships between perfectionism with anger, aggression, and hostility. However, the moderating role of self-compassion in the links between perfectionism with anger, aggression, and hostility has not been studied. To better understand the relationships between the three forms of perfectionism with anger, aggression, and hostility, this study aimed to explore the moderating role of self-compassion. Participants were 380 undergraduates selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique from three universities in Iran. Participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale, the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, and the Aggression Questionnaire Scale. The results from structural equation modelling analysis showed that other-oriented perfectionism and socially prescribed perfectionism positively predicted anger, aggression, and hostility. The results showed that self-oriented perfectionism significantly and positively predicted anger and hostility; but there were no observed statistically significant relationships of self-oriented perfectionism with verbal aggression and physical aggression. The findings showed that self-compassion played a moderating role in the relationships between other-oriented perfectionism and socially prescribed perfectionism with anger, aggression, and hostility; however, it did not play a moderating effect on self-oriented perfectionism with anger, aggression, and hostility. The findings provide a deeper understanding of the moderating role of self-compassion in the links between other-oriented perfectionism and socially prescribed perfectionism with anger, aggression, and hostility among undergraduates. The findings of this study could be applicable for psychologists and counselors who deal with aggressive behavior, anger, and hostility in undergraduate students to assess the three forms of perfectionism and self-compassion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-compassion is a healthy conceptualization of the self and has been associated with a myriad of health benefits. There is limited research regarding the influence of the subcomponents of self-compassion on happiness and vice versa. This study investigated (1) the influence and relative strength of the relationships of the 6 subcomponents of self-compassion onto happiness, (2) the influence and relative strength of the relationships of happiness onto the 6 subcomponents of self-compassion and (3) the bi-directional relationship between total self-compassion variables and happiness across two timepoints. This study followed a pre-post design whereby 33 university students and employees undergoing a physical activity counselling (PAC) program filled out validated online questionnaires before and immediately after individualized sessions. Results revealed that there was a positive bi-directional relationship between self-compassion and happiness over time, with the stronger influence being from happiness to self-compassion. This is likely because happier individuals are kinder to themselves and strongly connected with others. Moreover, results showed that mindfulness was the strongest subcomponent of self-compassion to positively influence happiness, and happiness was the strongest negative predictor of isolation. This has practical implications in that PAC counsellors and other practitioners should try to emphasize mindfulness in their interventions to maximize feelings of happiness, and try to cultivate happiness to reduce feelings of isolation and increase total self-compassion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Victim advocates experience burnout and secondary traumatic stress (STS) in response to their exposure to trauma at work. Mindful awareness may serve as a protective factor against these negative outcomes. The current study examined a sample of 133 victim advocates from across the country to better understand and predict STS and burnout. Higher mindful awareness was found to be associated with lower STS and burnout, even when controlling for other best-known predictors. Self-compassion partially mediated these relationships. These findings support further research exploring the effects of mindful awareness training for victim advocates to reduce STS and burnout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pain disability is a primary target of treatment for chronic pain. Self-compassion shows promise as an intervention to reduce pain disability, but mechanisms linking self-compassion with less pain disability remain to be identified. This study examined two potential mechanisms, health self-efficacy and future self-identification (FSI), as parallel mediators of the relation between self-compassion and pain disability. Adults (N = 188; Mage = 40.34, SD = 11.53; 70.9% female) screened for chronic pain were recruited through online convenience sampling. Participants completed self-report measures of demographics, health status, and primary study variables. Self-compassion was positively associated with FSI and self-efficacy, but only self-efficacy was found to mediate the negative relation between self-compassion and pain disability, such that self-compassion was associated with higher self-efficacy, which was associated with less pain disability. Future experimental and longitudinal studies can establish whether the negative relation between self-compassion and pain disability is causal and mediated via health self-efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body compassion bridges together the constructs of body image and self-compassion and refers to the relationship people have with their bodies, encompassing defusion, common humanity and acceptance. The purpose of the current study was to validate the 23-item Body Compassion Scale (BCS), in a female sample, and to determine the distinctiveness of body compassion from the similar construct of self-compassion. A total of 513 females completed an online cross-sectional survey examining body compassion, self-compassion, body image, and psychological health. Results supported the validation of the three-factor structure of the BCS, with the subscales of defusion and acceptance being more strongly associated with measures of body image than self-compassion. The BCS subscale of common humanity revealed lower associations with body image compared to self-compassion. The findings suggest that body compassion is a body-specific construct relating to body image concerns and while related, is distinct, from the construct of self-compassion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many women and men experience intimate partner violence (IPV) during their lifetime. However, only relatively few people actually seek formal help after such an experience. The current study applied the mediated-moderation model of self-compassion and stigma that has previously been used to explain men's help-seeking behavior for depressive symptoms. The current study analyzed whether conformity to masculinity ideologies (CMI), self-stigma, and self-compassion were related to women's and men's intention to seek formal help after IPV experiences. A cross-sectional online questionnaire study was conducted with 491 German-speaking participants (65.8% women/34.2% men; age: M = 36.1 years; SD = 14.2). Participants read three vignettes about experienced IPV and then indicated how likely they would be to seek medical or psychological help if they were in the main character's situation. Additionally, the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory, Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale, and Self-Compassion Scale were used. Separate manifest path models for women and men revealed that strong CMI was linked to strong self-stigma in women and men. In turn, strong self-stigma was linked to weak intentions to seek formal help after IPV experiences. In men, strong self-compassion weakened (i.e., "buffered") the link between CMI and self-stigma. However, direct associations between strong CMI and weak intentions to seek formal help remained, especially for those participants with strong self-compassion. The current study adds to the existing literature on associations between CMI, self-compassion, and self-stigma by showing that those links are also relevant in women. However, self-compassion might not always act as a "buffer" and mediators that explain links between strong CMI and weak intentions to seek formal help in people with strong self-compassion need to be found in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Defining mindful eating and discussing all it entails has proven to be abstract, open-ended and biased to the interpretation of the researchers and authors in the field. Despite some consensus, different interpretations have led to different psychometric tools and practices not descriptive of mindful eating, contributing towards a replication crisis. Aim/Method: This narrative review will draw on the most appropriate definition of mindful eating in the framework of traditional secular mindfulness literature and discuss how mindful eating psychometrics and practices are unsuitable for precise research. Results/Discussion: A proposal and directive of separation between eating behaviours and decision-making in mindful eating as a way of developing evidence-based practices and psychometric tools are proposed for both clinical and non-clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective was to (a) test the effectiveness of an Exercise Is Medicine® on Campus (EIM-OC) program in a university setting and (b) compare the baseline levels of physical activity, mental health, and physical health with post-EIM-OC levels. Referred and consenting students (n = 9) participated in a 12-week program. At pre- and postprogram, participants completed measures of current health behaviors, obstacles to physical activity, health goals, physical activity history, biometric screening (resting heart rate, blood pressure (BP), waist-to-hip ratio, body composition percentage via bioelectrical impedance, cardiovascular and muscular endurance baseline, and flexibility), perceived stress, and self-compassion. All of the participants adhered to 100% of the program. Participants experienced a decrease in resting heart rate, body composition, and BP and an increase in sleep, physical activity, and self-compassion. The program will be implemented with a larger sample of referred students with the goal of reducing risk or prevalence of chronic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the important issue of the social nature of self and the ways the different aspects of the self are being internalized through external dialogues. It presents a study that systematically explores the development of the clients' voices during group psychotherapy from a narrative and dialogical perspective. Thematic narrative analysis was used to study 20 two-hour group therapy sessions of a systemic informed approach that was completed over 2 years. The analysis involved mapping of the voices of each group member, their categorization as compassionate and/or reflexive, and a sequential depiction of the group voices through timelines. The analysis reveals the ways in which voices, especially compassionate voices, that appear in the dialogue between clients and therapists and are rehearsed in the context of the group are gradually internalized by the clients, becoming clients' voices, changing thus the dominance of voices of each client's voice repertoire. This study empirically depicts the process of internalization of voices, providing support to the dialogical self theory and the social nature of the self. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-suicidal self-injury has been increasingly acknowledged as a health problem. However, the association of cyberbullying victimization with non-suicidal self-injury and the mechanisms connecting this link have not been sufficiently studied. Therefore, the current study aimed to test the link between cyberbullying victimization and non-suicidal self-injury and to explore the mediating roles of basic psychological needs satisfaction and the moderating role of self-compassion in this relation. A sample of 1007 senior high students participated in the current study and completed multiple questionnaires on cyberbullying victimization, basic psychological needs satisfaction, non-suicidal self-injury, and self-compassion. The bivariate correlations between variables, mediation model, and moderated mediation model were tested by correlation analysis and Model 4 and Model 8 of the PROCESS macro, respectively. The results indicated that cyberbullying victimization was significantly and positively associated with non-suicidal self-injury. Autonomy needs satisfaction mediated the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and non-suicidal self-injury. The direct effect of cyberbullying victimization on non-suicidal self-injury was alleviated by strong self-compassion. Besides, self-compassion strengthened the direct relation between cyberbullying victimization and basic psychological needs and further strengthened the indirect association of cyberbullying victimization with non-suicidal self-injury. Our study highlights the potential mechanisms underlining the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and non-suicidal self-injury, and it has important theoretical and practical implications for adolescent non-suicidal self-injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Positive maternal mental health during the perinatal period contributes to general well-being and positive emotional bonds with the child, encouraging an optimal developmental trajectory. Online interventions to enhance maternal well-being and develop coping skills, such as meditation-based interventions, can be a low-cost way to improve mother and child outcomes. However, this depends on end-user engagement. To date, there is limited evidence about women's willingness to engage and preferences for online programmes. Objectives: This study explored pregnant women's attitudes towards and likelihood to undertake minimal online well-being training programmes (mindfulness, self-compassion, or general relaxation), engagement barriers and enablers, and programme structure preferences. Design: A mixed methods triangulation design was undertaken using a validating quantitative model. Quantile regressions were applied to the quantitative data. Content analysis was undertaken for the qualitative data. Methods: Consenting pregnant women (n = 151) were randomized equally to read about three online programme types. Participants were sent an information leaflet, tested by a consumer panel prior to distribution. Results: Participants generally held positive attitudes about all three types of interventions, with no statistically significant differences in preferences between programme types. Participants appreciated the importance of mental health and were receptive to fostering skills to support their emotional well-being and stress management. The most frequent perceived barriers were lack of time, tiredness, and forgetfulness. Programme structure preferences indicated one to two modules per week, less than 15 min in duration, and over 4 weeks. Programme functionality, such as regular reminders and easy accessibility, is important to end users. Conclusion: Our findings reinforce the importance of determining participant preferences in designing and communicating engaging interventions for perinatal women. This research contributes to the understanding of population-based interventions that can be provided as simple, scalable, cost-effective, and home-based activities in pregnancy for the benefit of individuals, their families, and society more broadly. Plain language summary: Title: Exploring ways to design appealing online programmes for pregnant women that reduce stress and develop positive coping skills Poor maternal mental health in pregnancy and during the first few years of a child's life can affect negatively on mother and child. As researchers, we want to look at accessible ways to support future mothers as early as possible, to assist both the woman and developing child. The Internet provides easy, low-cost access to support for online well-being programmes that reduce stress and develop positive coping skills. However, people frequently drop out of online programmes, particularly those that have minimal contact. Our research explored the likelihood of pregnant women undertaking web-based well-being programmes. We provided information to 151 pregnant women about three different types of brief, positive well-being programmes: a mindfulness skills programme, a programme developing self-compassion skills, and a programme for developing general relaxation skills. We asked the women a series of questions so that we could understand their interest, prospect of participating in the programmes, and what programme design appealed to them. The women in our study were generally positive about all three programme types and saw the benefits of developing skills to build their mental well-being and to manage stress. However, they felt they were time-poor and often tired. The women indicated preferences for programmes of one to two modules per week, less than 15 min long, over 4 weeks. They also indicated that regular reminders and easy accessibility are important. Pregnant women have a desire to use programmes to support their well-being and find meditation and relaxation practices acceptable. However, there are specific aspects of programme design that women prefer. This research contributes to understanding online programmes targeted to pregnant women which are simple and accessible and provide support at a critical life point for the mother and her child. Ignoring these preferences is likely to lead to poor initial engagement and high dropouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children exposed to parental intimate partner violence (IPV) are at high risk in terms of their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, online interventions are imperative in a crisis situation. Empirical studies indicate a significant relationship between self-esteem and children exposed to parental IPV. This research aimed to develop, and pilot test an online intervention program to enhance the self-esteem of Adolescents exposed to parental IPV. Conklin's developmental model was used to develop the online program and the Coopersmith Self Esteem Inventory scale, interview, and focus group discussion was used to understand the key issues. The developed Cognitive Self Compassion (CSC) Online Intervention Program that integrates the theories and techniques of social cognitive theory and self-compassion was implemented over 6 weeks at a rate of 60 min per session to the 10 participants. Results of the single-group pilot experiment showed a significant difference in the pre & post-test scores of the participants. The self-esteem of the adolescents exposed to parental IPV was significantly enhanced after undergoing the CSC Online Intervention Program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of autistic individuals' experiences of self-compassion is very limited. This study investigated autistic women's experiences of self-compassion after receiving their diagnosis in adulthood. Eleven autistic women completed semi-structured interviews analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three super-ordinate themes were identified: 'Disconnect between the autistic self and experience of societal expectations' (the burden of conformity; autism is misunderstood; social challenges; mental health impact); 'Unmasking: the process of self-understanding' (autonomy and self-compassion; validation and grief) and 'Impact on relationships' (diagnosis disclosure dilemmas; connection and understanding). Frustration with society's misconceptions of autism and unhelpful thinking styles were presented as barriers to self-compassion. Most participants reported that their diagnosis had led to the development of a greater sense of self-understanding, which facilitated self-compassion. Some participants suggested their own increased understanding of autism facilitated their compassion towards others. Findings from this study have clinical implications for increasing understanding about autistic women's experiences of self-compassion and possibly ways to facilitate its development, to enhance well-being. Knowledge of autistic individuals' experiences of self-compassion is very limited. This study investigated autistic women's experiences of self-compassion after receiving their diagnosis in adulthood. Eleven autistic women were interviewed about their experiences of receiving their diagnosis in adulthood and their experiences of self-compassion. Systematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed common themes in the participants' experiences. Participants reported that their autism diagnosis helped them to better understand themselves, particularly when reflecting on problematic past experiences. After receiving an autism diagnosis, participants described being able to relate to themselves with greater self-kindness compared to previous self-criticism; this included allowing themselves to assert their needs and engage in self-care activities. Participants spoke about having difficult social experiences, including feeling pressure to conform to expectations in society and often feeling misunderstood. The findings highlight the barriers autistic women face obtaining their diagnoses and demonstrate the need for autism training for professionals to support early identification. Findings from this study suggest that interventions aimed at developing self-compassion could support and enhance autistic women's well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]