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This cross-sectional study explored athlete responses to the Compassion Motivation and Action Scales Self-Compassion Scale, examining its relationship with well-being. Athlete (N = 207; mean age 27.9 years) scores were consistent with previous population means. Scores on the Compassion Motivation and Action Scales Self-Compassion Scale did not differ between elite and nonelite athletes, nor did they correlate significantly with trait competitiveness. Significant differences emerged based on athlete well-being state, with athletes categorized as "flourishing" scoring higher on the total score and all subscales of the Compassion Motivation and Action Scales Self-Compassion Scale, as compared with those with "moderate mental health" (Cohen's ds from 0.58 to 0.92). Furthermore, the distress tolerance subscale significantly mediated the relationship between self-compassion intentions and well-being (indirect path: B = 0.034, p <.001). The results suggest that self-compassionate intentions are not enough, and athletes may need support to tolerate the distress that comes with moving toward one's own suffering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coping with the COVID-19 pandemic had implications for athletes' mental well-being. This mixed-methods study examined the influence of self-compassion on athletes' coping during the pandemic through the mediator of cognitive appraisal. The prospective design involved 90 athletes completing two online surveys 1 week apart measuring self-compassion, cognitive appraisal, and coping strategies. The PROCESS macro was used for the mediation analysis. A qualitative thematic analysis was used to explore athletes' responses to the pandemic during the second survey. Self-compassion had an indirect negative effect on avoidance-focused coping by appraising the pandemic as less of a threat (95% confidence interval [−0.20, −0.001]) and had a total effect on emotion-focused coping (95% confidence interval [0.02, 0.40]). Based on the thematic analysis, athletes described many raw emotions and a variety of coping strategies during the pandemic. Self-compassion demonstrated promising benefits to athletes who dealt with the challenging situation of the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the increasing global concerns about aggressive behaviors and the pressing need for effective psychological interventions, this study delves into the potential of a concept deeply rooted in positive and Buddhist psychology but largely researched in Western contexts, as a mitigating factor against aggression in Chinese adults. Through three core studies involving 652 participants (age: 30.52±8.16), our research illuminated the intricate relationship between self-compassion, perceived stress, and aggression. Study 1 identified a negative correlation among these variables, setting the empirical foundation. In Study 2, participants exposed to a self-compassion exercise reported enhanced self-compassion and reduced aggression. Study 3 further consolidated these findings, with participants in the self-compassion writing group, showing notable increases in self-compassion and decreases in aggression compared to a control group. Critically, perceived stress emerged as a significant mediator between self-compassion and aggression, elucidating its central role in this dynamic. Together, our findings underscore the promise of self-compassion as a strategy to curb aggression tendencies, especially in light of its influential relationship with perceived stress, suggesting vital implications for future mental health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Parents of children with chronic illnesses face unique stressors that put them at risk for mental health disorders, such as anxiety, stress, and depression. In the U.S., 20% of families care for a child with a chronic health condition. Because self-compassion is a protective factor for parents against distress, this study examined the processes through which parents may become open to attending a self-compassion-based support program and acquiring self-compassion skills. Methods: Eight parents who attended a 6-week self-compassion training were interviewed about their experiences during the program. Responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Parents were motivated to attend the program because they were open to change and trusted the program would be valuable. Learning self-compassion involved developing a kinder relationship with themselves and embracing their common humanity, which helped them recognize the existing strengths they have had to develop in order to care for their children. They also experienced greater emotional acceptance and reported learning self-compassion had impacted the quality of care they provided for their children. Conclusions: Results demonstrate the importance of acquiring trust from potential participants and combining social support (which can reduce feelings of isolation) with evidence-based training. Findings also provide insight for future researchers to examine the mechanisms of engagement in a program and to better understand the processes through which self-compassion supports positive mental health outcomes for parents of chronically ill children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identity affirmation refers to comfort and pride in sexual minority identity, and consideration of this as a positive facet of one’s identity. Evidence demonstrates that identity affirmation is beneficial for sexual minority individuals, yet little is known about factors predicting identity affirmation. The current research examines social support as a predictor of identity affirmation in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) adults, and tests whether self-compassion mediates this. A sample of 597 LGBQ adults (Mage = 40.48 years, SD = 14.62) completed an online anonymous survey assessing demographic characteristics, self-compassion, social support, and identity affirmation. Social support predicted identity affirmation both directly, and indirectly via self-compassion, though sexual identity moderated these effects. Specifically, social support predicted greater identity affirmation via self-compassion among gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals. However, among queer-identified individuals, there were no direct or indirect effects found. Results suggest that social connection may help to foster identity affirmation by enhancing attitudes of acceptance and kindness towards oneself, at least among gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals. Findings also suggest there may be unique predictors of identity affirmation for queer-identified individuals, and further research is needed to identify these predictors. Interventions targeting social factors and self-compassion may warrant further investigation to assess whether they can help to cultivate identity affirmation in LGBQ adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackgroundPurposeMethodsResultsConclusions\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONPersisting Symptoms after Concussion (PSaC) are common and difficult to treat. Mindfulness-based interventions can support recovery but are rarely included in rehabilitative care. We developed OWNMindfulness, an eight-week live-video mindfulness-based group for PSaC.To assess feasibility and preliminary clinical effects of OWNMindfulness.Fourteen individuals with PSaC enrolled in this mixed-methods single-arm feasibility study. We assessed enrollment/retention, adherence, fidelity, instrument completion, safety, and satisfaction. We evaluated preliminary trends in the impact of the intervention on mindfulness (CAMS-R), concussion symptoms (PCSS), and QOL (WHOQOL-BREF). Qualitative analysis of exit interviews explored participants’ perceptions of the effects of the intervention, and framework analysis assessed adequacy of the quantitative measures to capture perceived effects.Feasibility results met a priori benchmarks. Mindfulness, concussion symptoms, and QOL scores improved (CAMS-R: adjusted p = 0.01, large effect size; PCSS: adjusted p = 0.03, moderate effect size; WHOQOL-BREF: not significant, small effect size). Qualitative analysis of interview data found benefits including validation, compassion, self-awareness, self-efficacy, concussion symptoms, resilience, life participation, social relationships, and QOL. Framework analysis demonstrated that quantitative tools captured change in concussion symptoms but did not comprehensively assess the other benefits identified through qualitative methods.OWNMindfulness shows preliminary feasibility and promise for improving clinical outcomes. Results suggest the need for additional quantitative tools for comprehensive measurement of the effects and may point to potential mechanisms of action.Integration of mindfulness-based interventions in standard rehabilitation care for persistent concussion symptoms has potential to boost recovery for this difficult to treat population.OWNMindfulness, a live-video mindfulness-based group intervention, can be delivered in a clinical education setting.People with persistent concussion symptoms may benefit from validation from providers and peers, self-compassion, self-awareness, and self-efficacy to support resilience and recovery.Integration of mindfulness-based interventions in standard rehabilitation care for persistent concussion symptoms has potential to boost recovery for this difficult to treat population.OWNMindfulness, a live-video mindfulness-based group intervention, can be delivered in a clinical education setting.People with persistent concussion symptoms may benefit from validation from providers and peers, self-compassion, self-awareness, and self-efficacy to support resilience and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new virtual reality (VR) platform for practising the Self-Attachment Technique (SAT) in a non-clinical population. The growing prevalence of mental health problems underscores the urgent need for scalable and effective interventions. SAT is a self-administered psychotherapeutic technique where the individual creates an affectional bond with their childhood self and vows to re-raise this child to emotional wellbeing. Digital technologies like VR and avatars can naturally enhance SAT by improving imaginative interactions with the childhood self. Methods: Over an 8-week period, participants practised the SAT exercises either by animating their personalised childhood avatar into different emotional states in VR or by imaginatively using their childhood photos. Participants' measurements were collected before and after the intervention as well as at 3-month follow-up, and analysed to understand whether changes over time, in the areas of wellbeing, self-compassion and psychological capital, are significant. Results: Overall, participants experienced significant improvement in wellbeing (primary outcome) with large effect size (r = 0.86). Further exploratory analysis of our findings indicated that the effect of VR (d = 1.12) was better compared to the childhood photos (d = 0.47). Qualitative evidence from the present study suggested that the intervention had a positive impact on participants' daily lives. Discussion: This study showed that practising SAT using the participant's childhood avatar in a virtual environment has potential for enduring effects that need to be validated in future randomised trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Healthcare professionals’ perspectives are often overlooked in the evaluation of digital weight loss interventions. Thus, we examined how healthcare professionals perceive patient success in a one-year web-based weight management program, the Healthy Weight Coaching, aiming to identify key success factors and common challenges within the coaching process. Methods: Thematic analysis was conducted on ten semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals from the Healthy Weight Coaching. Interviewees included individuals of both sexes, with an average age of 41 years, ranging from 10 months to 5 years of coaching experience, and treating 90 to 500 patients. Results: Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Positive progress during the Healthy Weight Coaching, (2) Factors facilitating success, and (3) Barriers hindering progress. The coaches noted significant positive changes among patients, including increased self-compassion, reduced weight-related stress, and a shift toward holistic well-being. Improvements in eating habits, physical activity, and vegetable consumption were observed, along with reductions in binge eating behaviors. Personal factors such as internal motivation and engagement with the program were crucial for success. Additionally, aspects of the Healthy Weight Coaching program, such as its individualized and supportive environment, flexible coaching approach, and the pivotal role of coaches, were seen as facilitators of success. Patients valued being treated equally and acceptingly and fostering trust and collaboration. However, challenges such as burdensome life situations, limited resources, and inadequate support posed significant barriers to progress. Unrealistic goals and societal pressures were also observed to hinder successful weight management efforts. Conclusion: A comprehensive, individualized approach addressing resource limitations and societal norms can enhance long-term success in weight management programs like the Healthy Weight Coaching, ultimately promoting overall well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The exact connection between mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and severity of symptoms within schizophrenia spectrum disorders is mostly undefined and requires additional exploration. This study aimed to determine whether mindfulness, cognitive fusion, and symptom severity predict self-compassion among patients with schizophrenia. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive research design was undertaken within the psychiatric in-patient department of Mansoura University Hospitals, situated in El-Mansoura, the administrative centre of Dakahlia governorate in the Delta area, Egypt. A total of 100 patients with schizophrenia participated in the study. Data were collected from October 2023 to January 2024 by using various tools: A socio-demographic questionnaire and clinical data sheet, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), The Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ), and The Self-Compassion Scale – Short Form (SCS-SF). Results: The findings show that mindfulness significantly impacts self-compassion among patients with schizophrenia. The results show that mindfulness significantly and positively impacts self-compassion, and cognitive fusion significantly and negatively impacts self-compassion. However, symptom severity did not significantly impact self-compassion (B = -0.02, t = -0.56, p = 0.57). Conclusion: The study concluded that people with schizophrenia need to be aware of their inner experience of negative feelings and thoughts at the moment and accept them. Thus, ACT, mindfulness-based, and compassion-based interventions may improve patients' cognitive fusion, mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and self-compassion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Methods Results Conclusions Self‐compassion is a positive psychological factor linked to improved physical and psychological outcomes across different chronic illness populations. However, the extent to which self‐compassion contributes to reduced distress across different conditions or as a function of participant factors is not clear. The current meta‐analysis aimed to quantify the association between self‐compassion and psychological distress in different chronic illness populations and evaluate the factors that moderate this association.A systematic search of three electronic databases identified research reporting associations between self‐compassion and psychological distress in chronic illness. A random effects meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between self‐compassion and psychological distress. Moderator analyses were conducted for sample characteristics and distress types. A bespoke tool evaluated study quality.Searches yielded 51 eligible studies with 57 effect sizes. Meta‐analysis revealed that self‐compassion was negatively associated with psychological distress (r = −.516; 95% CIs [−.55, −.48]; p = .000). Moderator analyses were significant for distress type and chronic illness group, with effects being largest for stress and neurological conditions. Effects did not vary by sex, age or illness duration.Findings from this first comprehensive investigation of the link between self‐compassion and distress in chronic illness highlight the protective role of self‐compassion for chronic illness populations. These results lay the foundation for further research into understanding the processes that link self‐compassion to lower psychological distress, and that examine the effectiveness of self‐compassion interventions in chronic illness populations, to further advance knowledge and inform practice in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cross‐sectional association between self‐compassion and coping self‐efficacy has been well documented, but little is known about the extent to which self‐compassion or coping self‐efficacy persists in daily life. This study used dynamic structural equation modeling to explore the temporal relationship between self‐compassion and coping self‐efficacy through a daily diary study. Participants (N = 240, Mage = 18.98 ± 0.99 years, 44.8% female) completed 14 consecutive daily diaries on self‐compassion and coping self‐efficacy (for a total of 3219 observations). We found that self‐compassion and coping self‐efficacy demonstrated stability through autocorrelations. Self‐compassion was a significant predictor of subsequent coping self‐efficacy, and coping self‐efficacy was a significant predictor of subsequent self‐compassion. These findings suggest that there has been a virtuous cycle between state coping self‐efficacy and state self‐compassion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to identify the level of stress coping methods and their relationship to self-compassion. To achieve the study objectives, two scales were developed: the Stress Coping Methods Scale and the Self-Compassion Scale. Their psychometric properties were verified for validity and reliability. The study was applied electronically to a sample of health sector workers in Karak Governorate, numbering (456) doctors, nurses and technicians of both sexes. The results of the study indicated an average level of stress coping methods and self-compassion, and that there is a statistically significant correlation between stress coping methods and self-compassion on the total score and dimensions. The results also showed that stress coping methods were better for females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The increased demand on healthcare professionals (HCPs) during the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) pandemic reduces opportunities for HCPs to deliver compassionate care to patients and to maintain self-care. This study explored how HCPs understand and experience compassionate working practices during the Covid-19 pandemic to better support HCPs' wellbeing and to sustain quality of care. Design: All nineteen participants worked as an HCP during the Covid-19 pandemic, resided in the United Kingdom (UK) and took part in individual semi-structured interviews. Main outcome measures: Using a thematic analysis approach, we developed three themes: (a) The art of compassionate care: Feeling and action, (b) The impact of Covid-19 on compassionate care and (c) Suffering during Covid-19: The importance of self-compassion and self-care. Results: Overall, the analysis illustrated the strong and negative impact that Covid-19 had on the ability to deliver compassionate care, resulting in moral injury and psychological and behavioural difficulties for HCPs, particularly in terms of self-care. Conclusions: This research demonstrates an imperative need for organisations to better support HCPs' health and wellbeing, through a self-care system that promotes self-compassionate and self-care practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body dissatisfaction reflects a person's negative perceptions, thoughts, and feelings regarding their body. Two factors—(1) self‐compassion, a positive attitude of self‐acceptance despite flaws, and (2) gratitude, the capability to notice and appreciate the positive aspects of life—may help to reduce body dissatisfaction. The present research aimed to provide further evidence for the relationship between gratitude, self‐compassion, and body dissatisfaction and test whether meditation focusing on self‐compassion can reduce body dissatisfaction. Two online studies were conducted with samples of adult women recruited in the United Kingdom (N = 342 and 117). Study 1 found that self‐compassion, but not gratitude, significantly predicted lower levels of body dissatisfaction. Study 2 found that participating in a 3‐week meditation program—whether focused on self‐compassion or relaxation—increased self‐compassion over time and reduced body dissatisfaction. Taken together, the findings that regular meditation can bring positive outcomes to women with body dissatisfaction, regardless of the specific focus or content of the meditation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore mediated effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy-"Taking it Further" (MBCT-TiF) on mental well-being through changes in mindfulness, self-compassion, and decentering. Method: A secondary analysis of an RCT using simple mediation, with 164 graduates of MBCT and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), was implemented whereby MBCT-TiF (vs ongoing mindfulness practice; OMP) was the independent variable; changes in mindfulness, self-compassion, and decentering during the intervention were the mediators; and mental well-being at post-intervention, whilst controlling for baseline, was the dependent variable. Secondary outcomes included psychological quality of life, depression, and anxiety. Results: Compared to OMP, MBCT-TiF experienced significant improvements in mental well-being through changes in all three mediators (mindfulness: ab = 0.11 [0.03, 0.25]; decentering: ab = 0.16 [0.05, 0.33]; self-compassion: ab = 0.07 [0.01, 0.18]). A similar pattern was demonstrated for depression, but only mindfulness and decentering mediated effects on psychological quality of life and anxiety. Conclusion: The findings provide preliminary support for all three mediators in driving change in mental well-being in a sample of MBCT/MBSR graduates. Future work must be theory-driven and powered to test all mediators in parallel and alongside other potential mediators (e.g., equanimity) to further understand independent contributions and interacting effects. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05154266. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To understand the status and related factors of emotional inhibition among women receiving in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Methods: A total of 791 women receiving IVF-ET from a specialized hospital in Changsha were selected, and surveyed with the General Questionnaire, Emotional Inhibition Scale (EIS), Locke-Wollance Marital Adjustment Questionnaire, Self-Compassion Scale and Medical Coping Mode Questionnaire. Results: The average score of EIS in women receiving IVF-ET was (28.0±6.4). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the EIS scores in women receiving IVF-ET were negatively associated with infertility factors (β = -9.23, 4.56, 2.86), personality type (β = 1.11), and marital adjustment, confrontation and self-compassion scores (β = -0.03, 0.13,0.05), and positively associated with residence and surrender dimension scores (β = 0. 82, 0. 20). Conclusion: It suggests that women receiving IVF-ET have a certain degree of emotional inhibition, which is related to infertility factors, residence, personality type, self-compassion, marital adjustment, confrontation, and surrender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positive reappraisal strategies have been found to reduce negative affect following the recall of negative personal events. This study examined the restorative effect of two mood-repair instructions (self-compassion vs benefit-focused reappraisal) and a control condition with no instructions following a negative Mood Induction Procedure by using the guided recall of a negative autobiographical event. A total of 112 university students participated in the online study (81% women, Mage: 21.0 years). Immediately following the negative memory recall, participants were randomised to each condition [(self-compassion: n = 36, benefit-focused: n = 39) or a control condition (n = 37)]. Repeated measures ANOVAs 3 (Repair condition) × 3 (Time of mood assessment: pre-recall, post-recall, post-regulation) showed that, as expected, negative mood (sadness, shame, and guilt) worsened significantly after the guided recall in all groups (p <.001). After the mood-repair intervention, participants in the self-compassion and benefit-focused conditions showed a significant reduction in negative mood (p <.019), while such improvement was not observed in the control group. Self-compassion and benefit-focused reappraisal functioned similarly as mood repair strategies after experiencing negative affect induced by the recall of negative personal memories. Implications in the context of autobiographical memory biases are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The current study investigated the interrelationships between effortless perfectionism (a desire to appear perfect without outward displays of effort) and body dissatisfaction, pathological eating, and pathological exercise. In addition, the mediating role of self-kindness and self-criticism in these relationships was explored. Method: Using a cross-sectional design, undergraduate students (N = 497) were asked to complete a battery of questionnaires assessing these key variables. Results: Effortless perfectionism was indirectly positively associated with more severe body dissatisfaction and pathological eating/exercise, via higher levels of self-criticism (controlling for self-kindness). By contrast, after controlling for self-criticism, self-kindness did not mediate the relationships between effortless perfectionism and body dissatisfaction, pathological eating, or pathological exercise Conclusions: Self-criticism uniquely emerged as a mediating mechanism; the desire for effortless perfection was associated with higher self-criticism, which in turn was linked with worsened symptomatology. By contrast, self-kindness did not emerge as a unique mediating mechanism in this context. Longitudinal research would be useful to establish the effect of situational context, and possible reciprocal relationships between self-kindness and self-criticism over time. Key Points: What is already known about this topic: Body dissatisfaction, and pathological eating and exercise, are positively intercorrelated. These symptoms are characterised by chronicity and physical and psychological impairment. Negative perfectionism has been implicated in the onset and maintenance of eating and body-related pathology. What this topic adds: Effortless perfectionism predicted body dissatisfaction and symptoms of pathological eating/exercise. Self-criticism but not self-kindness uniquely positively mediated these relationships. Findings identified new paths linking negative perfectionism and disordered eating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Clinical perfectionism, characterised by stringent standards and persistent striving, correlates with self-criticism and poor wellbeing. In this study we explored the mediating roles of psychological flexibility and inflexibility, and self-compassion, in the relationships of clinical perfectionism with distress, and clinical perfectionism and wellbeing. Methods: We used a cross-sectional correlational study design. A non-clinical sample of 210 Australian residents aged between 18 to 65 years old completed an online survey. Data were analysed using correlational, multiple regression, and parallel mediation analysis. Results: Heightened clinical perfectionism was associated with lower wellbeing and increased distress. Regression models revealed significant mediation by psychological inflexibility processes (self-as-content, experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion) and self-compassion. Cognitive fusion and inaction mediated clinical perfectionism-distress, while self-compassion and inaction mediated clinical perfectionism-psychological wellbeing. Conclusions: These findings support clinical perfectionism as a transdiagnostic predictor of distress and reduced wellbeing. Those with high clinical perfectionism tend to rigidly respond to perfectionistic thoughts, avoid uncomfortable emotions, and engage in value-disconnected inaction. Associations between psychological flexibility and inflexibility processes emphasise their multidimensional nature, distinct yet interrelated. Inaction emerges as a common process in clinical perfectionism-distress and clinical perfectionism-wellbeing, while cognitive fusion specifically influences distress, and limited self-compassion affects wellbeing. Key Points: What is already known about this topic: Clinical perfectionism is linked to psychopathology and transdiagnostic mechanisms, impacting distress and psychological wellbeing. Psychological inflexibility provides a transdiagnostic framework for understanding how rigid and self-limiting responses to feelings and thoughts are maintained despite negative consequences. Clinical perfectionism may be a form of psychological inflexibility, with rigid responses to perfectionistic thoughts, avoidance of uncomfortable emotions, and value-disconnected inaction. What this topic adds: Cognitive fusion and inaction are crucial for understanding clinical perfectionism's impact on distress. Self-compassion and inaction play a key role in understanding the relationship between clinical perfectionism and wellbeing. Understanding the functions of inaction is vital for fostering flexible responses to perfectionistic thoughts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational burnout is a growing concern among practicing psychologists but is understudied among psychology doctoral students. There is a need to identify possible protective factors mitigating burnout and the present study examined the interrelationships between mindfulness, self-compassion, gratitude, and burnout in a national sample of health service psychology doctoral trainees (N = 234) using structural equation modeling. Two a priori models were developed and results suggested that mindfulness, self-compassion, and gratitude may each function as important internal resources in mitigating burnout in health service psychology trainees. Mindfulness showed direct positive effects on self-compassion and gratitude and direct negative effects on burnout. Self-compassion and gratitude each also showed direct negative effects on burnout. Mindfulness also showed significant indirect effects on burnout through the partial mediating variables of self-compassion and gratitude. These results can inform researchers examining burnout by further understanding how the aforementioned cognitive factors may account for the differences in burnout. The findings can also be used to inform changes at the organizational level for doctoral training programs and can be used at an individual level as tools for empowering trainees to increase internal cognitive resources that may help them to engage in more sustainable practice. Additional research and practice implications for professional psychologists and limitations are discussed. Public Significance Statement: There is an essential need to identify protective factors mitigating burnout among doctoral trainees engaged in clinical work. The present study examined the interrelationships between mindfulness, self-compassion, gratitude, and burnout in a national sample of health service psychology doctoral trainees. The findings indicated mindfulness, self-compassion, and gratitude may each function as important internal resources in mitigating burnout in health service psychology trainees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Objectives: Body image disturbance is prevalent in people with endometriosis. This study aimed to explore the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of the My Changed Body (MyCB) writing activity for body image in people with endometriosis. Design: Two‐arm randomized controlled pilot and feasibility study. Methods: Australian adults living with endometriosis who identified as having had a negative endometriosis‐related body image experience were recruited online through Endometriosis Australia. Participants completed a baseline survey capturing demographic and health data before being randomized into the MyCB or control writing conditions. Additional assessment was administered post‐activity and at 1‐week follow‐up. Results: A total of 82 participants were recruited and randomized (Mage = 32 years, SD = 7.8). MyCB participants were less likely to complete the writing tasks compared to the control group (51% vs. 83%); MyCB completers had lower self‐compassion and quality of life, and higher psychological distress, compared to those who dropped out. The MyCB activity received good satisfaction rates (47%–87%). However, there was significant drop‐out in the MyCB group (n = 4 vs. 13 at 1‐week follow‐up). Limited‐efficacy testing showed an increase in the self‐compassion self‐identification for the MyCB group. Conclusions: The MyCB writing activity may be feasible for people with endometriosis. A future larger trial will benefit from several methodology changes to enhance recruitment and retention. Trial Registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12622000496718; Date: 29/3/2022; retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-compassion and positive self-talk are two important factors in cognitive characteristics that can play a decisive role in academic performance such as academic resilience, but according to the research, they have been less studied in past research. Based on this, examining the relationship between self-compassion and positive self-talk with academic well-being and academic resilience is a research gap. Aims: So, this research aims to model academic resilience based on self-compassion and positive self-talk concerning the mediating role of academic well-being among secondary school students in Kerman. Methods: The descriptive research method was a correlation type. The statistical population includes all male and female secondary school students in the city of Kerman, with a total of 8200 people in the 2022–2023 academic year. 384 people have been selected as a sample using stratified random sampling. Standard questionnaires were used to collect the data. Data analysis was done with descriptive and inferential statistics of structural equation modeling with SPSS25 and Amos24 software. Results: The model of academic resilience based on self-compassion and positive self-talk has an acceptable fit concerning the mediating role of the academic well-being of secondary school students in Kerman province. Thus, self-compassion and positive self-talk explain 0.67% of the variance in resilience through the mediating role of academic well-being. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the research, among the methods of improving academic resilience and improving the academic well-being of students is strengthening self-compassion and positive self-talk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research suggests that self-compassion is important for understanding different life outcomes. This study explored how certain demographic factors and self-compassion affect the positive mental health of married Hindu couples. Methods: Utilizing a correlational design, 300 married Hindu couples (age range=26-50 years, Mean±SD, 38.42±7.89) from Sagar City, Madhya Pradesh, India, were recruited through snowball sampling, in which existing participants provided referrals to other potential participants. The self-compassion scale, the socioeconomic status scale and the mental health continuum-short form were used as study measures. Mean±SD, correlation and regression analysis were computed. The significance level was ≤0.05. Results: The results revealed that age (r=0.188, P=0.01) marriage length (r=0.110, P=0.01), selfkindness (r=0.332, P=0.01), common humanity (r=0.284, P=0.01), and mindfulness (r=0.250, P=0.01) were positively correlated with well-being. Conversely, self-judgment (r=-0.099, P=NS), isolation (r=0.019, P=NS) and over-identification (r=0.005, P=NS) displayed weak or negative correlations. Demographic factors (education, gender, age, domicile, occupation and marriage length) (R² =12.6%, P<0.001) and self-compassion (R² =24.80%, P<0.001) significantly predicted well-being. Conclusion: The findings provide significant insights into the positive role of self-compassion and demographic factors in the well-being of married Hindu couples. Future research could examine the role of self-compassion interventions in different cultural contexts and examine long-term well-being outcomes. [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]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence for the longer-term benefits of online mindfulness training for medical students, including in the reduction of stress and improved wellbeing, is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a novel online mindfulness training program on trait mindfulness, wellbeing and study engagement of medical students at program completion and 6-month follow-up. Methods: This was a randomised waitlist control study of an 8-week, online, mindfulness-based intervention versus normal curriculum alone for medical students (N = 114). The primary outcome measures were the changes from baseline to program completion at Week 8 for self-reported trait mindfulness (Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), self-compassion (Self-Compassion Scale) and study engagement scores (Utrecht Work Engagement Scale for Students). The secondary outcome measures were these score changes from baseline to 6-month follow up. Intervention and control students completed surveys at all three time points. Program adherence (Mindfulness Adherence Questionnaire) was also measured in the intervention group. Results: The intervention group experienced modest but statistically significant improvements in mindfulness (9%, p = 0.0002), self-compassion (5%, p = 0.026), and study engagement (4%, p = 0.035) from baseline to Week 8. They also reported a sustained improvement of 5% (p = 0.017) in mindfulness scores at 6 months. The control group reported no significant changes at Week 8 or 6 Months. Between-group comparisons showed that compared to the control group, the intervention group improved significantly more in mindfulness (p = 0.0076), and statistically marginally more in study engagement (p = 0.0534) at Week 8. No statistically significant between-group differences were observed at 6 months. Conclusions: These results add to the small but growing body of evidence suggesting that online mindfulness-based interventions with minimal contact can improve, albeit in modest magnitude, mindfulness and possibly study engagement in medical students for the duration of a mindfulness program. Further refinements to the program may be important to maintain improvements in the longer-term. Trial registration: Registration number ACTRN12624000783527. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though self-criticism is a well-known transdiagnostic process, there is no consensus about its different forms and functions in nonclinical populations when measured with the Forms of Self-Criticizing/Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale (FSCRS) and the Functions of Self-Criticism/Attacking Scale (FSCS). Although these scales are widely used and translated into multiple languages, there is no Spanish version of the instruments. To study the appropriateness of differentiating these forms of self-criticism, we conducted a Confirmatory Factor Analysis on the Spanish version of the FSCRS with 242 participants, comparing the one-factor, two-factor, three-factor, two-tier, and bifactor models. The 3-factor model presented the best fit in a nonclinical population. The FSCS was also explored, and the two-factor solution was confirmed. The relationship between different functions and forms of self-criticism and the capacity of self-reassuring was explored through mediation and moderation analysis to provide external validation of the scales. Mediation analysis revealed the extensive and pervasive influence of the Self-Persecution function on depression through all forms of self-criticism. Moderation analysis showed that whereas the influence of the Inadequate-Self form on depressive symptomatology was buffered by compassionate self-treatment, the effect of the Hated-Self was not moderated by self-reassure or self-compassion. This study suggests that self-criticism may have different functions with different effects on depressive symptoms. We propose that individuals cope indirectly with self-criticism through self-compassion, which, in turn, would reduce the impact on depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-compassion has been generally recognized as a protective psychological factor against mental illnesses. However, its protective value against addictions remained unclear. To address this research gap, the current study explores the associations between self-compassion and both alcohol use disorder [AUD] and gambling disorder [GD] tendencies under the framework of self-compensation model of addiction. Data from a convenience sample of 682 adult past-year gamblers and drinkers were collected via an online survey in Hong Kong, China. Results of a series of mediation, moderation, and moderated mediation analyses showed a double-edged effect of self-compassion on addiction: the mindfulness facet of self-compassion was associated with lower levels of AUD and GD tendencies through suppressing self-compensation motivation for drinking and gambling, whereas its self-kindness facet was positively associated with both AUD and GD tendencies via increased self-compensation motivations among participants under high stress. Common humanity was not related to risk for AUD or GD. These findings indicate the conditional risk-enhancing effects of self-kindness may counteract the protective effects of mindfulness against both substance and behavioral addictions. Future addiction prevention programs may monitor participants' stress, as well as self-kindness levels, and focus on cultivating mindfulness, especially when utilizing self-compassion-based interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research community is expressing an increasing concern about the negative outcomes of ostracism. However, how and when ostracism is associated with adolescents' depression remains to be identified. Guided by the Temporal Need-threat Model, this study aimed to investigate the link between ostracism and depression, and to explore this influencing mechanism further with maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies (maladaptive CERSs) and self-compassion tested as a mediator and a moderator respectively. In a cross-sectional survey, a total of 2,057 Chinese adolescents (1,185 females, Mage = 13.88, SDage = 1.28) completed questionnaires regarding ostracism, maladaptive CERSs, self-compassion, and depression. Our hypotheses were tested by model 4 and model 59 of the PROCESS macro. The present study found that ostracism is positively linked to depression, and maladaptive CERSs played a mediating role in this relationship. Furthermore, self-compassion weakened the strength between ostracism and both depression and maladaptive CERSs, as well as between maladaptive CERSs and depression. These findings provide a theoretical and empirical basis for developing intervention strategies to reduce the negative effects of ostracism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has found that self‐compassion enhances well‐being outcomes such as happiness and meaning in life. However, little is known about the link between self‐compassion and psychological richness, a recently introduced concept of well‐being. Thus, an exploration of the relationship between self‐compassion and psychological richness is necessary to gain a comprehensive understanding of the association between self‐compassion and well‐being. To address this issue, this study investigated the temporal directionality of their relationship within a cohort of Chinese college students, utilizing a two‐wave longitudinal approach. Using a cross‐lagged model, the results revealed that the self‐compassion could predict psychological richness 3 months later, and conversely, psychological richness could also predict subsequent self‐compassion. This research provides new insights into the bidirectional relationship between self‐compassion and psychological richness, broadening our understanding of the association between self‐compassion and well‐being. Future interventions should focus on the important effect of self‐compassion interventions in the development of psychological richness. In addition, future research could consider interventions on increasing psychological richness to improve the level of self‐compassion among college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Considering the prevalence of ED-related prodromal symptoms among higher education students (making them a population at risk for developing EDs), the main goals of this study were to conduct a network analysis in a college sample and to explore multivariate dependencies between a selection of empirically informed variables of interest to eating psychopathology, namely difficulties in emotion regulation and psychological processes (e.g., interoceptive awareness, self-compassion, self-criticism, mindfulness, and experiential avoidance). Methods: The sample included 294 college students (Mage = 21.4, SD = 5.0; MBMI = 22.4, SD = 3.7). A Gaussian graphical network model was estimated to visualize interactions among the studied variables and to assess their centrality in terms of betweenness, closeness, strength, and expected influence. Results: A network system with 21 nodes was estimated (sparsity = 0.52). Nodes assessing disordered eating symptoms displayed the strongest correlation coefficients with nodes assessing dimensions of interoceptive awareness: eating concerns and not-distracting (r = −0.11), shape concerns and trusting (r = −0.16), and weight concerns and trusting (r = −0.10). Self-compassion was the node with the highest betweenness (SELFCS = 2.27) and closeness centrality (SELFCS = 1.70). The nodes with the highest strength centrality were strategies (DERS = 1.91) and shape concerns (EDE-Q = 1.51). Discussion: In this network model conducted in a college sample, eating-related symptoms were mainly associated with dimensions of interoceptive awareness. Also, the lack of effective strategies to regulate emotions, shape concerns, and self-compassion stood out as central nodes in the network model. The results suggest that addressing these variables may be promising in disrupting network systems marked by the presence of prodromal eating psychopathology symptoms in at-risk populations (e.g., college students). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotional neglect (EN), characterized by a lack of emotional attunement in childhood, leads to deficits in emotion regulation, increase in self-criticism, and poor mental health outcomes including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Treatment for adults that experienced childhood emotional neglect is necessary, but not sufficiently studied. Self-criticism can be treated with Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), but the impacts of EN require additional focus on regulating the autonomic nervous system. This practice advance utilizes trauma-informed care and polyvagal theory to augment CFT using a four-pronged approach. This includes the role of the therapist and the therapeutic relationship, assessment and identification of EN, client psychoeducation on the influence of EN on the mind and body, and integration of self-regulation and self-compassion activities. This multi-modal intervention can reduce the debilitating effects of EN for individuals, their loved ones, and the behavioral health systems that support them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This quantitative study explored the relationship between counselor burnout (Counselor Burnout Inventory, CBI), life balance (Life Balance Inventory, LBI), and self‐compassion (Self‐Compassion Scale, SCS) among 331 fully licensed and provisionally licensed counselors throughout the United States with at least 2 years of experience in various clinical settings and providing direct clinical services. Results of two canonical correlation analyses (CCAs) explored the relationship between (a) the subscales of the LBI and the CBI and (b) the subscales of the SCS and the CBI. Both CCAs indicated a statistically significant relationship demonstrating that: (a) increased life balance was associated with lower burnout and (b) increased self‐compassion was associated with lower burnout. Counselors experiencing burnout may turn to increasing their life balance or increasing self‐compassion practices to increase their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the efficacy of acceptance, mindfulness, and compassion (Kg-free) on obese and overweight women diagnosed with metabolic syndrome components. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 52 obese and overweight women with body mass index (BMI) =25 were evaluated in two intervention and control groups, The intervention was implemented weekly. Triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), fasting blood sugar (FBS), blood pressure (BP), BMI, and waistline measurements thyroid tests were assessed measured as the main outcome, and life-quality and sexual function improvement as its secondary outcome in pre, post and follow-up phase. Results: The study results indicated that the acceptance, mindfulness, and compassion (Kg-free) protocol was effective on the BMI, waistline, TG level, BP (systolic and diastolic index), quality of life, and sexual function in women with overweight and obesity, but fasting BP and HDL level did not significant (d=0.001-0.50; significant at the 0.001 level). Conclusions: The present trial was carried out aiming to examine the efficacy of group intervention based on acceptance, mindfulness, and compassion on obese and overweighed women and its effect on the components of metabolic syndrome, including the waistline, BMI, BP, FBS, TG, HDL, the quality of life, and the sexual function. Our results showed that group intervention based on acceptance, mindfulness, and compassion could reduce the BMI of the individuals in the intervention group compared to the control group. Moreover, the present study provided further evidence that this intervention bears an essential part in the psychological interventions for individuals struggling with overweight and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Negative events tend to reduce self‐concept clarity, which could hinder self‐change. Three studies (total n = 1603) including two preregistered tested whether inducing self‐compassion in response to negative events promotes self‐concept clarity and self‐change. Methods: Participants engaged in either a self‐compassionate or a control writing task regarding negative events. They responded to the scales of self‐concept clarity and self‐change before and after the manipulation. Self‐change was assessed using two indicators: self‐improvement regarding the negative aspects of the self (i.e., negativity transformation, Studies 1–3) and openness to self‐change (Studies 2 and 3). In Study 3, self‐esteem and affect were assessed to test alternative processes. Results: Across the studies, participants induced to be self‐compassionate reported higher levels of self‐concept clarity, negativity transformation (except in Study 1), and openness to self‐change. Studies 2 and 3 found that self‐concept clarity mediated the effect of self‐compassion on openness to self‐change. Study 3 indicated that this indirect effect remained significant, while the indirect effect of self‐compassion on negativity transformation was nonsignificant when self‐esteem and affect were considered. Conclusions: Overall, boosting self‐compassion in response to negative events could help people retain self‐concept clarity and, thus, be open to self‐change. Self‐compassion could also orient people to engage in negativity transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parental well-being has implications for child outcomes and child well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed substantial psychological distress on parents especially those from under-resourced backgrounds who also have young children. Most of the available studies have used surveys to understand the impact of COVID-19 on parents' well-being with only a few of those studies looking at parents with children below five years from under-resourced backgrounds. We explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of 118 parents from under-resourced communities using qualitative methods. Through thematic analysis, we identified eight themes related to the impact of COVID-19: (1) Losing child care and taking teaching/care responsibility, (2) new rules and routines, (3) loss of basic needs, (4) fear of the virus, (5) loss of social support, (6) loss of jobs, (7) deeper connections, and (8) enhanced hygiene. We also identified four themes related to how parents coped with the impacts of the pandemic: (i) engaging in hobbies; (ii) making plans; (iii) accepting, and (iv) avoiding arguments. Implications include supporting parents' autonomy and providing flexibility at work, developing and tailoring mindfulness and stress reduction interventions to support parents' self-compassion and psychological flexibility skills, preparing lesson samples and helping parents role play to support their self-efficacy in teaching children, and prioritizing keeping child care settings open. Highlights: Loss of child care significantly contributed to parents' psychological distress. Parents experienced low self-efficacy in teaching their children. Parents lost jobs and their partners took more hours to compensate for the lost income which affected their relationships with children. Parents coped by participating in hobbies, accepting, engaging in proactive coping mechanism, and avoiding arguments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease that presents with both motor and non-motor symptoms, with anxiety and depression being prominent and potentially exacerbated by negative thoughts. Therefore, the experiential avoidance (EA) exhibited by patients post diagnosis is particularly relevant. This study aimed to measure the degree of EA in patients with MS and determine its relationship with emotional disturbances. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a sample of 64 patients diagnosed with MS. In October 2018, these patients underwent evaluations of functional and cognitive variables, such as anxiety, depression, and avoidant behaviors towards the disease, using the Expanded Disability Status Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, Self-Compassion Scale Short Form, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-15, prefrontal symptoms inventory, Beck Depression Inventory II, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory to assess coping mechanisms in handling the disease. Higher levels of state anxiety (β = 0.79; p < 0.001), trait anxiety (β = 0.82; p < 0.001), and depression (β = 0.62; p < 0.001) were observed in patients with MS as their EA and psychological inflexibility increased. Participants with high self-compassion/self-acceptance tended to have fewer negative thoughts and exhibited better coping with the disease, which may, in turn, affect patterns of psychological rigidity or inflexibility. Dimensions such as kindness and humility could act as positive factors in coping with the disease, whereas self-judgment and isolation are negative elements often associated with avoidant behaviors that hinder effective coping with the illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Suicide is a global health concern and developing brief and accessible interventions that can reduce suicide risk is crucial. Thwarted belongingness (TB; i.e., feeling like one doesn't belong) and perceived burdensomeness (PB; i.e., feeling like one is a burden on others) are associated with suicidality, and changes in these constructs predict changes in suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Self-compassion is a multifaceted construct that involves being open and kind to oneself and can be taught through brief writing tasks. Low self-compassion has been associated with TB, PB, and suicidal ideation, suggesting that enhancing self-compassion may decrease suicide risk. Thus, we conducted an open trial of a brief, online self-compassion intervention targeting TB and PB. Method: Undergraduate students (N = 132) viewed an educational video on self-compassion and completed self-compassion writing tasks over the course of one week. Results: Reactions to the intervention were positive, and participants reported significantly higher self-compassion scores following the intervention. However, TB and PB scores did not change from the baseline to the post-intervention assessment. Conclusions: This open trial demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a fully online, brief self-compassion intervention, but its impact on reducing suicide risk should be assessed further using a randomized controlled design. HIGHLIGHTS: Self-compassion may be useful for targeting thwarted interpersonal needs. A brief, online, self-compassion intervention is feasible and acceptable. Further research is needed on the impact of self-compassion on suicide risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating condition that significantly impacts patients' quality of life (QoL). Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a complementary therapy for chronic conditions. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of an eight-weekMBSR program in improving QoL, self-compassion, mindfulness, depression, and anxiety among COPD patients. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 120 COPD patients allocated to either an MBSR intervention group (n = 60) or a control group (CG) receiving standard care (n = 60). The MBSR program consisted of weekly 2.5-hour sessions for eight weeks. The primary outcome was the change in St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total scores from baseline to post-intervention. Secondary outcomes included changes in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) scores. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and three months follow-up. Results: The MBSR group showed a significantly greater reduction in SGRQ total scores (-12.4 ± 8.7) compared to the CG (P < 0.001) at post-intervention. Significant improvements were also observed in the MBSR group relative to the CG for HADS-Anxiety (change: -3.5 ± 2.8, P < 0.001), HADS-Depression (change: -3.1 ± 2.6, P < 0.001), FFMQ total (change: 22.3 ± 12.5, P < 0.001), and SCS total (change: 15.7 ± 10.2, P < 0.001) scores at post-intervention. The improvements were maintained at the three months follow-up (all P< 0.001). Conclusion: An 8-week MBSR program significantly improves QoL, depression, anxiety, mindfulness, and self-compassion in COPD patients compared to standard care alone. These findings support the integration of mindfulness-based interventions into the standard care of COPD patients. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the optimal implementation of MBSR in COPD care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectification of women is heightened during the reproductive years and is associated with a myriad of adverse outcomes. Yet, little research has examined the impact of self-objectification among postpartum women and whether potential effects can be ameliorated. The current study investigated the association between self-objectification and well-being among women who had given birth in the last three years, and whether self-compassion moderated or mediated the link. As hypothesized, women (N = 162) higher in self-objectification reported greater body shame, appearance anxiety, depressive symptoms, and disordered eating, and lower life satisfaction, self-esteem, and more negative experience being a mother, whereas women higher in self-compassion reported more positive outcomes on these measures. Self-compassion mediated the association between self-objectification and poorer well-being on most outcomes. Unexpectedly, neither self-objectification nor self-compassion were associated with sexual dysfunction or breastfeeding confidence. The findings suggest that although women might be prone to self-objectification and body shame during the postpartum period, self-compassion explains this relation and potentially holds promise for disrupting negative experiences during the transition to motherhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the efficacy of the Early Advancement in Social‐Emotional Health and Positivity (EASP) programme, designed to enhance personal resources, namely self‐compassion and positivity among preschool social workers, to reduce stress and bolster work engagement. A total of 84 preschool social workers (Mage = 32.47 years, SD = 6.86, range = 22–55; female = 90.48%) participated in a 5‐week randomized control trial. Participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (n = 38), which received four online workshops and an online activity, or the wait‐list control group (n = 46), which received the intervention post‐data collection. Self‐compassion, positivity, work engagement, and work stress were measured before and after the intervention. Results from a path analytic model indicated excellent fit with the data, χ2 = 2.08, df = 3, Comparative Fit Index = 1.00, Tucker‐Lewis Index = 1.00, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.00 (90% CI = 0.00–0.16), SRMR = 0.03. The intervention demonstrated direct effects on changes in self‐compassion (β = 0.21, p = 0.04) and positivity (β = 0.28, p = 0.03), with indirect effects on work engagement (β = 0.13, p = 0.02), while no significant impact was observed on work stress (β = −0.09, p = 0.06). These findings underscore the efficacy of positive psychological interventions in fostering work engagement among social workers. Incorporating the EASP programme into ongoing professional development activities is recommended to enhance the job engagement and psychological well‐being of social workers in early childhood education and care sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic generated distinct mental health challenges, characterised by stress and anxiety due to its unpredictable duration and continuous threat. This study examined the role of meditation practice on anxiety symptoms and perceived stress, considering co‐variables such as self‐compassion, acceptance, awareness, brooding, lockdown duration, and sociodemographic characteristics. The study used a longitudinal design and data were collected through online surveys from April 2020 to January 2021 (at four different time points) and included 238 participants from Portugal (165 had prior experience with meditation practices, 73 were non‐meditators) with a mean age of 43.08 years (SD = 10.96). Linear mixed models revealed that over time, during the lockdown, the non‐meditators group demonstrated a greater increase of anxiety symptoms (β = −0.226, SE = 0.06, p = 0.006) and perceived stress (β = −0.20, SE = 0.06, p = 0.004), whereas the meditators group showed non‐significant (p > 0.05) variations in anxiety and stress symptoms during the same period of time. The effect of meditation on anxiety symptoms was moderated by sex, days of lockdown, self‐compassion, and acceptance. The effect of meditation on perceived stress was moderated by sex, years of education, days of lockdown, and levels of awareness. Additionally, the study explored the potential predictive effect of different meditation session lengths, indicating that longer meditation practices offered greater protection against an increase in anxiety symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of cultivating self‐regulation skills and investing in preventive mental health strategies to promote well‐being and autonomy. Mental health professionals should prioritise educating communities on evidence‐based practices like meditation and compassion exercises to enhance overall health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite theory suggesting that self‐forgiveness facilitates recovery from moral injury, no measure of self‐forgiveness has been validated with individuals exposed to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs). Military veterans, healthcare workers, and first responders who reported PMIE exposure (n = 924) completed the Self‐Forgiveness Dual‐Process Scale, which assesses two dimensions of the self‐forgiveness process. The first dimension, value affirmation, refers to appraising personal responsibility and being willing to make amends for one's involvement in a PMIE. The second dimension, esteem restoration, refers to accepting oneself as valuable and capable of growth despite one's failures and imperfections. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses replicated the original scale's two‐factor structure in 10 items modified to apply to the diverse contexts in which PMIEs occur. Next, we found that the factor structure, item loadings, and item intercepts were fully or partially invariant across professions, genders, races, ages, and religious affiliations in a series of Multi‐Group Confirmatory Factor Analyses. Finally, diverging patterns of associations between value affirmation and esteem restoration with moral distress, posttraumatic stress, depression, insomnia, functional impairment, and posttraumatic growth provide evidence of convergent and discriminant validity between the subscales. The modified self‐forgiveness dual process scale is the first measure of self‐forgiveness to be validated with individuals exposed to a PMIE. Researchers and clinicians can use the scale to examine how self‐forgiveness (or difficulties with forgiving oneself) relates to moral injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Design Methods Results Conclusions Appearance concerns following burn injuries are common. Psychological factors are important in maintaining such concerns. However, there is a lack of longitudinal or prospective research investigating their development. This study investigated whether psychological flexibility and self‐compassion at hospital admission predicted subsequent appearance concerns.A multi‐centre prospective cohort study across six burn services.Adults (n = 175; 67% male) in hospital following burn injuries were recruited. Questionnaires measuring appearance concerns, psychological flexibility, self‐compassion, post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms and perceived noticeability were completed during hospital admission and two‐ and six‐months later. Demographic and burn injury information was collected.Correlational analyses showed that increased psychological flexibility and self‐compassion at admission were associated with decreased appearance concerns cross‐sectionally and prospectively at two‐ and six‐month follow‐up. These associations remained significant when controlling for key covariates (i.e. gender, age, ethnicity, percentage total body surface area burnt, perceived noticeability, PTSD symptoms). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that psychological flexibility and self‐compassion predicted appearance concerns during hospital admission. Although psychological flexibility significantly predicted appearance concerns over time, it became non‐significant when controlling for baseline appearance concerns.Psychological flexibility has a protective role against appearance concerns soon after burn injuries, although this protective role is reduced when accounting for baseline appearance concerns. Early interventions targeting psychological flexibility (i.e. acceptance and commitment therapy) may be beneficial after burns if adapted to address appearance‐related concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between self-compassion and psychological hardiness, and psychological well-being among mothers of children with autism. The research design was correlational, and its statistical population sample consisted of 101 mothers of children with an autism spectrum disorder. The results of a correlational analysis showed a significant positive relationship between self-compassion and psychological hardiness, and psychological well-being. Multiple regression analysis showed that among the variables of self-compassion and psychological hardiness, the variable of self-compassion had the largest share in predicting the psychological well-being of mothers. Concerning self-compassion, conscious awareness of self-kindness along with psychological hardship could predict the psychological well-being in these groups of mothers, such as raising a child with ASD. [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]

Objectives The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the mechanistic process by which family caregivers' situational stress appraisals of behavioral symptoms of dementia (BSD) increase the likelihood of a caregiver engaging in abusive and neglectful behaviors toward their care recipient with dementia. We test the hypotheses that (1) the effect of daily BSD stress appraisals on elder abuse and neglect (EAN) is mediated by the caregivers' emotion dysregulation (2) and the mediation path is moderated by self-compassion. Methods This study employed a multitime series design in which participants (N  = 453) completed traditional longitudinal surveys at enrollment followed by 21 sequential days of diary surveys (n  = 9,513). The hypothesized moderated mediation path was evaluated through a multilevel structural equation model. Results Hypotheses were supported. At the within-person level, daily BSD stress appraisal has a significant direct effect on daily EAN. At the between-person level, the path was no longer significant implying a full mediation of emotion dysregulation. The main effect of self-compassion and the interaction term (emotion dysregulation × self-compassion) were also statistically significant indicating the path between emotion dysregulation and EAN is moderated by self-compassion. Discussion This study significantly advances the field by empirically showing a mechanistic pathway for a theoretical explanation of EAN. These findings represent a breakthrough for the field and identify modifiable intervention targets for future behavioral interventions to prevent EAN. Emotion (dys)regulation and self-compassion are modifiable traits and skills that can be learned, with robust evidence bases of efficacious interventions that can be adapted for context to dementia family caregiving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]