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Jacquet L, Paucsik M, Guy JB, Eve K, Ben-Taarit I, Lantheaume S. Self-compassion and psychological well-being of radiographers at work. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2024; 19:2287621. [PMID: 38055785 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2287621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess how self-compassion affects the psychological well-being of radiographers at work. METHODS An online survey was sent to radiology and radiotherapy departments in Rhône-Alpes, a region of France (from October 2021 to February 2022). The study is mixed: quantitative data, with closed questions and two validated scales, and qualitative data, with open questions aimed at assessing perceptions among radiologists as regards self-compassion. RESULTS A total of 253 radiographers (mean age 32.9 years), took part in this survey. Radiographers reported a poor level of well-being and a moderate level of self-compassion. We found a link between well-being at work and self-compassion. Gender, age, number of years of experience and the desire to receive training on well-being appear to have an impact on the level of self-compassion. The perception of self-compassion by radiologists is essentially positive. CONCLUSION Particular attention should be paid to radiologists who are female, young, and with only a few years of experience. Self-compassion is a protective factor for radiologists and may help them take care of themselves to continue caring for others. Training related to self-compassion should be promoted in medical imaging departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leïla Jacquet
- Institut Supérieur Technologique Montplaisir, Valence (Drôme), France
| | - Marine Paucsik
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blance, Grenoble (Isère), France
| | | | - Karine Eve
- Institut Supérieur Technologique Montplaisir, Valence (Drôme), France
| | - Isabelle Ben-Taarit
- Ramsay Santé Hôpital Privé Drôme Ardèche, Guilherand-Granges (Ardèche), France
| | - Sophie Lantheaume
- Institut Supérieur Technologique Montplaisir, Valence (Drôme), France
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blance, Grenoble (Isère), France
- Ramsay Santé Hôpital Privé Drôme Ardèche, Guilherand-Granges (Ardèche), France
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Reid C, Grant L. A call to action: Re-activating the latent human factor for achieving the UN SDGs-cultivating courageous partnerships and compassionate human systems. Psychol Psychother 2024; 97:408-424. [PMID: 38568011 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
The raison d'être for psychotherapy1 is to address individual suffering and distress. The sustainable development goals address suffering and distress on a global scale in the context of threats to the survival of our communities and planet. OBJECTIVE We propose scaling up therapeutic principles for collective impact and nurturing therapist commitment beyond the therapy room, to activate and sustain compassion-in-action at the community system level. DESIGN The SDGs represent the strength of collective human concern and action coming together. At the half-way point, we are falling dangerously short of our targets, requiring an urgent response. The tenet of this paper is that the weakest link in our journey is not technical capability or finances, or even the impact of multiple intersecting crises, but our ability to collaborate for sustained action-it is the human factor-hence, we need a psychologically informed response. METHOD Notably, least 'visible' is SDG17, the umbrella goal designated means of implementation, through partnership. Partnership has been treated as a transactional element of SDG projects, rather than the vital heartbeat connecting daily actions to the 2030 vision. Partnership is about investing in relationships and a commitment to working together with a common purpose-the bailiwick of psychological therapists. RESULTS We propose an architecture to support the development of courageous partnerships and compassionate systems. CONCLUSION Compassion uniquely potentiates global action on wicked problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Reid
- Global Health Academy, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Liz Grant
- Global Health Academy, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Gilbert P. Threat, safety, safeness and social safeness 30 years on: Fundamental dimensions and distinctions for mental health and well-being. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 63:453-471. [PMID: 38698734 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
In 1993, the British Journal of Clinical Psychology published my paper titled 'Defence and safety: Their function in social behaviour and psychopathology'. The paper highlights that to understand people's sensitivity to threat, we also need to understand their ability to identify what is safe. This paper offers an update on these concepts, highlighting distinctions that were implicit but not clearly defined at the time. Hence, the paper seeks to clarify distinctions between: (i) threat detection and response, (ii) safety and safety seeking, (iii) safeness and (iv) their social and non-social functions and forms. Threat detection and response are to prevent or minimize harm (e.g., run from a predator or fire). Safety checking relates to monitoring for the absence and avoidance of threat, while safety seeking links to the destination of the defensive behaviour (e.g., running home). Safety seeking also relates to maintaining vigilance to the appearance of potential harms and doing things believed to avoid harm. Threat-defending and safety checking and seeking are regulated primarily through evolved threat processing systems that monitor the nature, presence, controllability and/or absence of threat (e.g., amygdala and sympathetic nervous system). Safeness uses different monitoring systems via different psychophysiological systems (e.g., prefrontal cortex, parasympathetic system) for the presence of internal and external resources that support threat-coping, risk-taking, resource exploration. Creating brain states that recruit safeness processing can impact how standard evidence-based therapies (e.g., exposure, distress tolerance and reappraisal) are experienced and produce long-term change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Gilbert
- Centre of Compassion Research and Training, College of Health and Social Care Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby, UK
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Luo X, Shen Y, Sun L, Qi X, Hong J, Wang Y, Che X, Lei Y. Investigating the effects and efficacy of self-compassion intervention on generalized anxiety disorders. J Affect Disord 2024; 359:308-318. [PMID: 38795780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the least successfully treated anxiety disorder. This clinical trial investigated the effects and efficacy of a novel self-compassion intervention in GAD. METHODS A total of 75 GAD patients were assigned to a self-compassion intervention group (n = 25), a mindfulness intervention group (n = 25), or a treat-as-usual group (n = 25). Patients in the two active groups received eight intervention sessions in two weeks in addition to usual treatment i.e., pharmacotherapy. Primary outcomes were anxiety and worry, assessed at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included depression, sleep, as well as self-compassion and mindfulness. RESULTS Both the self-compassion and mindfulness intervention induced a more rapid decrease in anxiety and depression than pharmacological treatment alone with excellent response and remission rate. Self-compassion intervention also induced a more rapid improvement in sleep quality compared to mindfulness intervention and pharmacological treatment alone. We also presented a mechanism for the self-compassion intervention in which decreased anxiety led to improvement in sleep quality. There was also a higher pleasure, acceptance, and willingness to re-attend in the self-compassion compared to the mindfulness intervention. LIMITATIONS This study was single blinded and nonrandomized which may bring risks of bias. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we provided novel evidence that self-compassion intervention is an alternative psychotherapy for GAD with excellent response and acceptability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Luo
- School of Nursing, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310059, China
| | - Yonghui Shen
- Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Lijun Sun
- Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Xuejun Qi
- Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Jie Hong
- Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150036, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Centre for Cognition and Brain Disorders, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Xianwei Che
- Centre for Cognition and Brain Disorders, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; TMS Centre, Deqing Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yi Lei
- Institute for Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610054, China.
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Kishimoto K, Asano K. The relationships among factors affecting compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, and burnout in Japanese nurses: A cross-sectional study. Jpn J Nurs Sci 2024:e12617. [PMID: 39148343 DOI: 10.1111/jjns.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to investigate the relationships among factors affecting compassion fatigue/secondary traumatic stress, burnout, and compassion satisfaction in Japanese nurses, focusing on self-compassion, fears of compassion, and attachment styles. METHODS This cross-sectional observational study enrolled 400 clinical nurses (aged ≥20 years) in Japan, registered with an online survey company, from June 6 to June 26, 2021. The subjects completed a web-based questionnaire that assessed compassion fatigue/secondary traumatic stress, burnout, compassion satisfaction, self-compassion, fears of compassion for self, anxiety, and avoidance. Additionally, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis and path analysis were performed to examine the relationships among the influencing factors. RESULTS Compassion fatigue/secondary traumatic stress was influenced by anxiety and fears of compassion for self (R2 = .31). Burnout was affected by compassion fatigue/secondary traumatic stress, compassion satisfaction, self-compassion, anxiety, and avoidance (R2 = .63). Compassion satisfaction was impacted by self-compassion, anxiety, and fears of compassion for self (R2 = .31). Additionally, self-compassion (R2 = .28) and fears of compassion for self (R2 = .55) were influenced by anxiety and avoidance. CONCLUSIONS Compassion fatigue/secondary traumatic stress leads to burnout, whereas compassion satisfaction moderates burnout. Furthermore, there were associations among the factors leading to compassion fatigue/secondary traumatic stress and burnout and compassion satisfaction. Therefore, an approach that enhances self-compassion and promotes the development of a stable attachment style could mitigate compassion fatigue/secondary traumatic stress and fears of compassion for self while moderately maintaining and improving compassion satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumiko Kishimoto
- Division of Nursing, Faculty of Humancare, Teikyo Heisei University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichi Asano
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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Brophy K, Emery M, MacDonald C, Côté CI, Körner A. Validation of the compassionate engagement and action scales, compassion scale, and Sussex-Oxford compassion scales in a French-Canadian sample. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305776. [PMID: 38913657 PMCID: PMC11195958 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Compassion towards oneself and towards others has been associated with positive psychological outcomes, however, research is limited by the availability of valid psychometric measures, particularly in languages other than English. The current study translated (English to French) and validated the following measures: the Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales (CEAS), assessing self-compassion (CEAS-SC), compassion to others (CEAS-TO), and compassion from others (CEAS-FROM); the Compassion Scale (CS); and the Sussex-Oxford Compassion Scales for Self (SOCS-S) and Others (SOCS-O). French-speaking participants were recruited online (N = 384) and completed the translated measures as well as questionnaires assessing self-compassion, depression, anxiety, stress, insecure attachment, mindfulness, and well-being. Confirmatory Factor Analysis supports the original factor structures proposed for the CEAS-FROM (two-factor hierarchical), CS (four-factor hierarchical), SOCS-S and SOCS-O (five-factor hierarchical), with alternate factor structures proposed for CEAS-SC (three-factor) and CEAS-TO (two-factor). Results showed good internal consistency and convergent validity for all scales, supporting the use of total scores for the translated measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyla Brophy
- Department of Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Matthew Emery
- Department of Statistics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ceilagh MacDonald
- Department of Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Annett Körner
- Department of Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Louise Granofsky Psychosocial Oncology Program, Segal Cancer Center, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Psychosocial Oncology Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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Takmak Ş, Karaçar Y. Does fear of compassion effect nurses' caring behaviours? a cross-sectional study. Nurs Ethics 2024:9697330241259151. [PMID: 38886155 DOI: 10.1177/09697330241259151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the levels of nurses' fear of compassion for others, fear of compassion from others, and fear of self-compassion and to examine the effect of fear of compassion on caring behaviors. Design: A cross-sectional, quantitative design was used. Participants and research context: The study was conducted between October 2022 and April 2023 with 304 nurses working in two public hospitals. Data collection tools were the "Fears of Compassion Scales" and the "Caring Behaviors Inventory." Data were analyzed using a t test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and stepwise multiple regression model. Ethical considerations: Ethics committee approval of the research was obtained from the non-invasive ethics committee of Kütahya Health Sciences University (Reference No: 25.05.2022/2022/06-19). The principles of the Declaration of Helsinki were followed in the study. The purpose of the research was explained to all participants, and their verbal/written informed consent was obtained. Results: The mean scores of nurses on fear of compassion for others and from others were at a moderate level, and their scores on fear of self-compassion were close to a moderate level. It was found that the level of nurses' fear of compassion was related to their sociodemographic and professional variables. Fear of self-compassion, fear of compassion for others, and fear of compassion from others explained 33.5% of the total variance in caring behaviors. Conclusions: Nurses' caring behaviors were shown to be more associated with fear of self-compassion than fear of compassion for others. Fear of compassion may be one of the barriers to compassionate care. Interventions that will reduce nurses' fear of compassion may be one way to provide compassionate care. It is recommended to conduct awareness studies on self-compassion and accepting compassion from others in nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şenay Takmak
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Kütahya Health Science Universıty, Kütahya, Turkey
| | - Yeliz Karaçar
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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Abstract
PURPOSE This paper outlines the theoretical and empirical basis for compassion focused therapy (CFT) for psychosis, the gaps in the current knowledge and research, as well as some of the challenges for addressing gaps. It will guide the direction of future work and the steps needed to develop and advance this approach. METHOD This paper reviews evidence of how evolutionary models such as social rank theory and attachment theory have greatly contributed to our understanding of psychosis and provide a clear rationale and evidence base for the mechanisms of change in CFT for psychosis. It reviews the evidence for outcomes of compassion training more generally, and early feasibility evaluations of CFT for psychosis. RESULTS The process evidence shows that people with psychosis have highly active social rank and threat systems, and the benefits of switching into attachment and care systems, which can support emotion regulation and integrative mind states. The outcomes evidence shows that compassion training impacts not only psychological outcomes, but also physiological outcomes such as neural circuits, immune system, and the autonomic nervous system. Within the psychosis field, outcomes research is still in the early days, but there are good indications of feasibility and a clear path forward for the next steps. CONCLUSIONS CFT for psychosis is an approach that integrates biopsychosocial processes, an integration that's evidenced across each aspect of the model, from theoretical foundations (evolution-informed) to interventions (e.g., body/breath training and relational techniques), to evaluation. Future RCTs are required to understand the effects on biopsychosocial outcomes for people with psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Heriot-Maitland
- Balanced Minds, London, UK
- King's College London, London, UK
- University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Kirby JN, Day J, Gilbert P. Social rank and compassion: How insecure striving, social safeness and fears of compassion mediate the relationship between masculinity, depression and anxiety. Psychol Psychother 2024. [PMID: 38308516 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Traditional masculinity norms displayed by men attempt to signal a dominance or 'toughness' to others; however, traditional masculine norms are associated with a range of mental health difficulties, including depression and anxiety. Based on social rank theory, we tested the mediating role of insecure striving, social safeness and fears of compassion on the relationship between masculinity, anxiety and depression. We also examined whether compassionate goals were negatively correlated with masculine norm adherence. DESIGN We used a cross-sectional survey design recruiting 844 men, aged 18-60 years (M = 34.0, SD = 14.4). RESULTS Our results replicated previous findings with masculine norms significantly associated with depression and anxiety. Extending on previous work, we found insecure striving, social safeness and fears of compassion fully mediated these relationships for anxiety and partially for depression. This relationship was strongest for the masculinity subtypes of self-reliance and emotional control. Compassionate goals were negatively associated with masculine norm adherence. CONCLUSIONS Social rank theory offers a helpful explanatory framework to understand the links between traditional masculinity and mental health, highlighting the importance of social safeness and insecure striving for men.
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Affiliation(s)
- James N Kirby
- Compassionate Mind Research Group, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jamin Day
- Compassionate Mind Research Group, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Murfield J, Moyle W, O'Donovan A, Ware RS. The Role of Self-Compassion, Dispositional Mindfulness, and Emotion Regulation in the Psychological Health of Family Carers of Older Adults. Clin Gerontol 2024; 47:316-328. [PMID: 33263503 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2020.1846650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study explored the role of compassion and dispositional mindfulness in the psychological health of family carers of older adults and tested for potential mediating effects of emotion regulation difficulties and adaptive coping strategies. METHODS A sample of 141 family carers of adults aged 65 years or older with chronic conditions completed a cross-sectional survey between July - December 2019. The survey included self-report scales that measured: self-compassion, compassion for others, compassion from others, dispositional mindfulness, depression, anxiety, stress, emotion- and problem-focused coping strategies, and difficulties in emotion regulation. RESULTS Path analyses found that increased self-compassion and increased dispositional mindfulness was associated with lower psychological distress, and that this was mediated by reduced difficulties in emotion regulation. The model had excellent fit, explaining 64.8% of the variance in psychological distress, and 52.2% of the variance in emotion regulation difficulties. CONCLUSIONS Self-compassion and dispositional mindfulness may help buffer the psychological distress of family carers of older adults, and adaptive emotion regulation is an important mechanism of change in these relationships. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Interventions that aim to cultivate self-compassion and mindfulness could be clinically useful in reducing psychological distress within populations of family carers of older adults by promoting adaptive emotion regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Murfield
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Wendy Moyle
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Robert S Ware
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
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Puri BK, Miari A, Theodoratou M. Predictors of poor psychological functioning of healthcare workers based in Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Psychol Res 2023; 11:91274. [PMID: 38162540 PMCID: PMC10756858 DOI: 10.52965/001c.91274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Poor psychological functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic has been reported in several studies of healthcare workers from around the world. Factors that might predict this have yet to be established. Objectives First, to ascertain which factors were associated with poor psychological functioning in a cohort of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, to characterize key sociodemographic aspects of this cohort. Third, to determine the degree to which any predictors of poor psychological functioning were associated with each other. Methods A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted of 144 healthcare workers in Patras, Greece, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire consisted of: (1) demographic survey questions; (2) the Psychological Consequences Questionnaire scale; (3) the Kessler Psychological Distress scale; and (4) Toulouse's scale for coping strategies. The data were analyzed using general linear modeling. Results The statistical model (p < 10-10) indicated that smoking or taking drugs to calm anxiety, feeling ashamed, and being overwhelmed by one's feelings were all predictors of poor psychological functioning. Conversely, income was a protective factor. A post hoc network analysis showed that smoking or taking drugs to calm anxiety was relatively strongly associated with feeling ashamed; the latter was also associated with feeling overwhelmed. There was a weak negative association between income and feeling ashamed. Conclusion This study highlights the critical importance of psychological functioning in shaping the mental well-being of healthcare professionals during pandemics. Prioritizing the mental health of frontline workers is crucial for their well-being and for the overall functioning of healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Theodoratou
- Social Sciences Hellenic Open University
- Health Sciences Neapolis University Pafos
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12
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Mason D, Acland J, Stark E, Happé F, Spain D. Compassion-focused therapy with autistic adults. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1267968. [PMID: 37965655 PMCID: PMC10641016 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1267968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Some autistic adults experience repeated adverse events, including rejection, victimization and stigmatization. They also describe others being critical and negatively judging them, such as for how they socially interact or for expressing passion for particular interests. The impact of these adverse events can be substantial, including increasing vulnerability for poorer mental health, and contributing to development of negative self beliefs (such as "I am different" or "I do not fit in") and shame-based difficulties. Not all evidence-based psychological therapies are well-received by autistic people, or effective. Given high rates of self-harm and suicidality, finding acceptable and effective therapies for autistic adults is paramount. Here, writing as autistic and non-autistic clinicians and researchers, we outline the theoretical principles of compassion-focused theory and therapy (CFT). We propose that: (1) compassion-focused theory can provide a useful framework for conceptualizing shame-based difficulties some autistic adults experience; (2) CFT can be appropriate for addressing these; and (3) there is an impetus for practitioners to adopt compassion-focused approaches when supporting autistic adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mason
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James Acland
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eloise Stark
- Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, Stoke House, Linacre College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Happé
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Debbie Spain
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Carter A, Steindl SR, Parker S, Gilbert P, Kirby JN. Compassion-Focused Therapy to Reduce Body Weight Shame for Individuals With Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Behav Ther 2023; 54:747-764. [PMID: 37597955 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Adults living in larger bodies (Body Mass Index > 30) often experience body weight shame, are highly self-critical, and are at increased risk for anxiety and depression. To date, there have been no RCTs examining the efficacy of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) to help those experiencing body weight shame. The aim of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of CFT as a 12-session group intervention to reduce body weight shame for individuals living in larger bodies. The study used an RCT design with participants randomized to the CFT (n = 28) or waitlist control (n = 27) condition. Participants in both groups were assessed at pre- and postintervention, with the CFT group alone assessed at 3- and 6-month follow-up intervention. Both self-report and a physiological measure of parasympathetic nervous system activity were used (i.e., heart rate variability). Results indicated that CFT had a significant positive impact at postintervention compared to the control group for body weight shame (internal and external), increasing self-compassion, reducing fears of compassion (self, other, and receiving), reducing self-criticism, and reducing external shame. Although there were no significant group effects at postintervention on depression and anxiety, 66% of participants had clinical improvement on depression in the CFT group compared to 8% in the control group at postintervention. CFT did not shift baseline heart rate variability at postintervention. The evidence from this RCT supports CFT as an efficacious intervention to reduce body weight shame for individuals with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Carter
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland; Compassionate Mind Research, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland.
| | - Stanley R Steindl
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland; Compassionate Mind Research, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland
| | | | - Paul Gilbert
- School of Psychology, University of Derby; Compassionate Mind Research, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland
| | - James N Kirby
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland; Compassionate Mind Research, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland
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Santos L, Pinheiro MDR, Rijo D. Fostering an affiliative environment in residential youth care: A cluster randomized trial of a compassionate mind training program for caregivers enrolling youth and their caregivers. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 139:106122. [PMID: 36863203 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Affiliation has a positive role on well-being and human development. Most children and youth living in residential youth care (RYC) experienced maltreatment from significant others, becoming a particularly vulnerable group. Their complex needs require well trained caregivers who help them to heal and thrive. OBJECTIVE This cluster randomized trial sought to test the Compassionate Mind Training program for Caregivers (CMT- Care Homes) effectiveness on affiliative outcomes across time. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING A sample of 127 professional caregivers and 154 youth from 12 Portuguese residential care homes (RCH) participated on this study. METHODS RCHs were randomized to treatment (n = 6) and control (n = 6) groups. Caregivers and youth completed self-report measures at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up on social safeness and emotional climate. Caregivers were also evaluated on compassion outcomes. RESULTS MANCOVA indicated large multivariate time X group effects. Univariate results suggested that caregivers from the treatment group showed improvements in compassion towards others and in self-compassion across time, while the control group gradually deteriorated in both variables. Youth and caregivers from the treatment group noticed a more soothing and safer RCH emotional climate, as well as feeling safer within relationships. At 6-month follow-up, improvements were retained by caregivers, but not by youth. CONCLUSIONS The CMT- Care Homes brings a new model to RYC, that represents a promising approach in promoting safe relationships and affiliative environments in RCHs. Supervision should be provided to monitor care practices and sustain change across time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Santos
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioural Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3030-115 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Maria do Rosário Pinheiro
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioural Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3030-115 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Daniel Rijo
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioural Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3030-115 Coimbra, Portugal.
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15
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Khoury B, Manova V, Adel L, Dumas G, Lifshitz M, Vergara RC, Sekhon H, Rej S. Tri-process model of interpersonal mindfulness: theoretical framework and study protocol. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1130959. [PMID: 37179876 PMCID: PMC10170994 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1130959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 14% of the US population practice mindfulness meditation. The effects of mindfulness training on physical and mental health have been consistently documented, but its effects on interpersonal relationships are not yet fully understood or investigated. Interpersonal relationships play a crucial role in the wellbeing of individuals and society, and therefore, warrants further study. The aim of this paper is to present a tri-process theoretical model of interpersonal mindfulness and a study protocol to validate the proposed model. Specifically, according to the proposed model, mindfulness meditation training increases the self-awareness, self-regulation, and prosociality of those receiving the training, which ameliorates the quality of interpersonal interactions and the socioemotional support provided to other individuals. Finally, better socioemotional support increases the support receiver's ability to regulate their emotions. Using a multiphasic longitudinal design involving 640 participants randomized into 480 dyads, the proposed protocol aims to validate the tri-process model and to investigate its mechanisms of actions. The proposed study has important theoretical and social implications and will allow devising new and more effective interpersonal mindfulness programs with applications in multiple fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassam Khoury
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Viktoriya Manova
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lena Adel
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Guillaume Dumas
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michael Lifshitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital, Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Rodrigo C. Vergara
- Departamento de Kinesiología, Facultad de Artes y Educación Física, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Santiago, Chile
| | - Harmehr Sekhon
- Department of Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital, Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McLean Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Soham Rej
- Department of Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital, Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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16
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Gamboa MAVG, Galang ERM, Garcia ACT, Gantuangco CCG, Germano RCJD, Garcia MKTB, Gaspar MAD. From fearful to hopeful: A thematic content analysis of COVID-19 survivors' YouTube videos. Health Care Women Int 2023; 45:475-492. [PMID: 37067825 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2023.2200067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 survivors experienced a spectrum of emotions as a result of surviving the said disease. Employing thematic content analysis, the researchers characterized the various emotional manifestations among recovered COVID-19 patients, which are crucial indicators of their mental well-being postinfection. From March 2020 to June 2021, data was collated from 31 Filipino COVID-19 Survivors' YouTube videos. 51.61% of the videos were posted in 2020 and 48.39% were posted in 2021 where 70.97% of the survivors were female while 29.03% were male. 579 primary codes emerged and were narrowed down into sixteen themes where Hope (18.83%) arose as the most predominant emotion followed by Gratitude (14.68%), Joy and Relief (14.16%), Faith (11.57%), Plight Response (10.88%), Sadness (10.88%), Fear (6.39%), and nine others (12.61%).
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17
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McEwan K, Minou L. Defining compassion: A Delphi study of compassion therapists' experiences when introducing patients to the term 'compassion'. Psychol Psychother 2023; 96:16-24. [PMID: 36000566 PMCID: PMC10087504 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) is shown to be an effective psychological intervention; however, patients can experience resistance to CFT due to preconceptions regarding the term 'compassion'. This study aims to obtain guidance from therapists in how to overcome these resistances DESIGN: This is the first study using the Delphi methodology to ask CFT therapists about how their patients understanding of the term compassion might act as a barrier to engaging with an otherwise beneficial therapy. METHODS Two rounds of interview questions were posed to 15 expert CFT therapists. RESULTS The results provide verification that there is resistance to CFT due to preconceptions around 'compassion', specifically its association with 'pity', 'weakness' and low-rank social positions. Further, this appears to be pronounced in patients who value competitiveness. CONCLUSIONS The results have practical implications such as the need for therapists to acknowledge the potential for resistance and the need for experiential strategies and illustrative examples of compassion to facilitate successful engagement with CFT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten McEwan
- Health, Psychology, and Social Care College, Derby University, Derby, UK
| | - Lina Minou
- Philosophy Department, University College London-UCL, London, UK
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18
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Zhang S, McEwan K. The Fears of Compassion in Sport Scale: a short, context-specific measure of fear of self-compassion and receiving compassion from others validated in UK athletes. AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/00050067.2023.2183108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shuge Zhang
- School of Human Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - Kirsten McEwan
- School of Psychology, College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby, UK
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19
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Affiliative stimuli elicit negative emotion and expressive suppression in high self-critics: A study using video stimuli. MOTIVATION AND EMOTION 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11031-023-10005-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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20
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Matos M, McEwan K, Kanovský M, Halamová J, Steindl SR, Ferreira N, Linharelhos M, Rijo D, Asano K, Vilas SP, Márquez MG, Gregório S, Brito-Pons G, Lucena-Santos P, da Silva Oliveira M, de Souza EL, Llobenes L, Gumiy N, Costa MI, Habib N, Hakem R, Khrad H, Alzahrani A, Cheli S, Petrocchi N, Tholouli E, Issari P, Simos G, Lunding-Gregersen V, Elklit A, Kolts R, Kelly AC, Bortolon C, Delamillieure P, Paucsik M, Wahl JE, Zieba M, Zatorski M, Komendziński T, Zhang S, Basran J, Kagialis A, Kirby J, Gilbert P. Improvements in Compassion and Fears of Compassion throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multinational Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1845. [PMID: 36767212 PMCID: PMC9915071 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
During large-scale disasters, social support, caring behaviours, and compassion are shown to protect against poor mental health outcomes. This multi-national study aimed to assess the fluctuations in compassion over time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents (Time 1 n = 4156, Time 2 n = 980, Time 3 n = 825) from 23 countries completed online self-report questionnaires measuring the flows of compassion (i.e., Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales) and fears of compassion toward self and others and from others (i.e., Fears of Compassion Scales) and mental health at three time-points during a 10-month period. The results for the flows of compassion showed that self-compassion increased at Time 3. Compassion for others increased at Time 2 and 3 for the general population, but in contrast, it decreased in health professionals, possibly linked to burnout. Compassion from others did not change in Time 2, but it did increase significantly in Time 3. For fears of compassion, fears of self-compassion reduced over time, fears of compassion for others showed more variation, reducing for the general public but increasing for health professionals, whilst fears of compassion from others did not change over time. Health professionals, those with compassion training, older adults, and women showed greater flows of compassion and lower fears of compassion compared with the general population, those without compassion training, younger adults, and men. These findings highlight that, in a period of shared suffering, people from multiple countries and nationalities show a cumulative improvement in compassion and reduction in fears of compassion, suggesting that, when there is intense suffering, people become more compassionate to self and others and less afraid of, and resistant to, compassion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Matos
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Kirsten McEwan
- Centre for Compassion Research and Training, College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1G, UK
| | - Martin Kanovský
- Institute of Social Anthropology, Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Comenius University, 814 99 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Júlia Halamová
- Institute of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Comenius University, 814 99 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Stanley R. Steindl
- Compassionate Mind Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Nuno Ferreira
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus
| | - Mariana Linharelhos
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniel Rijo
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Kenichi Asano
- Department of Psychological Counseling, Faculty of Psychology, Mejiro University, Tokyo 161-0032, Japan
| | - Sara P. Vilas
- Behavior, Emotions, and Health Research Group, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Margarita G. Márquez
- Behavior, Emotions, and Health Research Group, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sónia Gregório
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Behavior, Emotions, and Health Research Group, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Brito-Pons
- Escuela de Psicología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Paola Lucena-Santos
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Margareth da Silva Oliveira
- Evaluation and Treatment in Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapies—Research Group (GAAPCC), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil
| | | | | | - Natali Gumiy
- Motivación Compasiva, Buenos Aires C1001, Argentina
| | | | - Noor Habib
- Neuroscience Department, Section of Psychiatry and Psychology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), Jeddah 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reham Hakem
- Neuroscience Department, Section of Psychiatry and Psychology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), Jeddah 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussain Khrad
- Neuroscience Department, Section of Psychiatry and Psychology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), Jeddah 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Alzahrani
- Neuroscience Department, Section of Psychiatry and Psychology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), Jeddah 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Simone Cheli
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Nicola Petrocchi
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, John Cabot University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Elli Tholouli
- Center for Qualitative Research in Psychology and Psychosocial Well-Being, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Philia Issari
- Center for Qualitative Research in Psychology and Psychosocial Well-Being, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Gregoris Simos
- Department of Educational and Social Policy, University of Macedonia, 546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Ask Elklit
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Russell Kolts
- Department of Psychology, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA 99004, USA
| | - Allison C. Kelly
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Catherine Bortolon
- Laboratoire Inter-Universitaire de Psychologie: Personnalité, Cognition et Changement Social, Grenoble Alpes University, 38400 Grenoble, France
- Centre Hospitalier Alpes Isère, C3R—Réhabilitation Psychosociale et Remédiation Cognitive, 38100 Grenoble, France
| | - Pascal Delamillieure
- CHU de Caen, Service de Psychiatrie Adulte, 14000 Caen, France
- UNICAEN, ISTS, GIP Cyceron, University of Normandy, 76000 Caen, France
| | - Marine Paucsik
- Laboratoire Inter-Universitaire de Psychologie: Personnalité, Cognition et Changement Social, Grenoble Alpes University, 38400 Grenoble, France
| | - Julia E. Wahl
- The Mind Institute Poland, 33-332 Warsaw, Poland
- Institute of Psychology, Department of General Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, 03-815 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mariusz Zieba
- Institute of Psychology, Department of General Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, 03-815 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Zatorski
- Institute of Psychology, Department of General Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, 03-815 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Komendziński
- Department of Cognitive Science, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torún, Poland
- Neurocognitive Laboratory, Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torún, Poland
| | - Shuge Zhang
- School of Human Sciences, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1G, UK
| | - Jaskaran Basran
- Centre for Compassion Research and Training, College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1G, UK
| | - Antonios Kagialis
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus
| | - James Kirby
- Compassionate Mind Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Paul Gilbert
- Centre for Compassion Research and Training, College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1G, UK
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21
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Romaniuk M, Hampton S, Brown K, Fisher G, Steindl SR, Kidd C, Kirby JN. Compassionate mind training for ex-service personnel with PTSD and their partners. Clin Psychol Psychother 2023. [PMID: 36639932 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant issue for a substantial proportion of Australian ex-service personnel. In addition to the functional impact on individuals, PTSD can have a significant impact on intimate partner relationships. Research has demonstrated that practicing compassion and self-compassion may be an important component of psychological therapy for survivors of trauma, while also demonstrating benefits to intimate relationships. This pilot study aimed to investigate the utility of a Compassionate Mind Training intervention for ex-service personnel with PTSD and their partners. An uncontrolled, within-subjects, longitudinal design was utilized with assessment at pre-intervention, post-intervention and 3-month follow-up. Twenty-four participants attended 12 biweekly group sessions. Self-report measures of compassion, quality of life and psychological symptoms were administered at each time point. Findings demonstrated a significant reduction in fears of compassion and PTSD symptoms for ex-service personnel at 3-month follow-up and a reduction in depressive symptoms and increase in quality-of-life and social safeness at post-intervention. Additionally, significant reductions in anxiety, stress, external shame and self-criticism at 3-month follow-up were found, and couples reported significant increases in relationship satisfaction. Findings from this pilot study demonstrate promising outcomes, warranting further investigation in a larger randomized controlled trial of Compassionate Mind Training for ex-service personnel and their partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Romaniuk
- Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Mental Health Research, School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Sarah Hampton
- Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kelly Brown
- Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gina Fisher
- Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stanley R Steindl
- Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chloe Kidd
- Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - James N Kirby
- Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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22
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Carter A, Gilbert P, Kirby JN. A systematic review of compassion-based interventions for individuals struggling with body weight shame. Psychol Health 2023; 38:94-124. [PMID: 34694950 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2021.1955118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review investigated compassion-based interventions and the extent to which they can assist with addressing body weight shame. DESIGN The systematic review was pre-registered and conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Seven electronic databases (PsycNET, Pubmed, Web of science, CINAHL, Scopus, ProQuest, Social Science Database) were searched. The methodological quality of studies was also assessed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Main outcomes were body weight shame, and compassion. Secondary outcomes assessed were mental health, eating attitudes and behaviours, physical exercise and Body Mass Index and weight. RESULTS 25 studies (23 papers) met inclusion criteria and results indicated promise for compassion-based interventions for body weight shame, compassion, and health related behaviour. Mixed results were found for BMI and weight. The studies varied considerably in terms of populations targeted, the duration of interventions, and intervention delivery.Conclusion: Overall, compassion-based interventions were found to reduce body weight shame and improve levels of compassion. However, the impact of compassion-based interventions on BMI and weight is less promising. Recommendations for future research are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Carter
- Compassionate Mind Research Group, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Paul Gilbert
- Compassionate Mind Research Group, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.,Psychology, Derby University, Derby, UK
| | - James N Kirby
- Compassionate Mind Research Group, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
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23
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Gratz KL, Myntti W, Mann AJD, Vidaña AG, Tull MT. Fear of compassion from others explains the relation between borderline personality disorder symptoms and ineffective conflict resolution strategies among patients with substance use disorders. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2022; 9:36. [PMID: 36567316 PMCID: PMC9791734 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-022-00207-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Borderline personality disorder (BPD) pathology is common among patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) and associated with a variety of negative outcomes, including worse SUD outcomes. One particularly relevant outcome with links to substance use problems that is likely to be elevated among SUD patients with BPD symptoms is ineffective conflict resolution strategies in romantic relationships. However, no research to date has examined the relation of BPD pathology to strategies for managing conflict in romantic relationships among patients with SUDs, or the factors that may increase the use of ineffective strategies within this population. Thus, this study examined the relations of BPD symptoms to ineffective responses to romantic relationship conflict surrounding substance use among residential patients with SUDs, as well as the explanatory roles of fear of compassion from and for others in these relations. METHODS Patients in a community-based correctional SUD residential treatment facility (N = 93) completed questionnaires, including a measure of BPD symptoms, fear of compassion from and for others, and strategies for responding to conflict surrounding substance use in romantic relationships. RESULTS Fear of compassion from others accounted for significant variance in the relations of BPD symptoms to the ineffective conflict resolution strategies of reactivity, domination, and submission, whereas fear of compassion for others only accounted for significant variance in the relation between BPD symptoms and the strategy of separation (which is not always ineffective). CONCLUSIONS Together, findings suggest that it is fear of compassion from others (vs. fear of compassion for others) that explains the relation between BPD symptoms and ineffective responses to romantic relationship conflict surrounding substance use among SUD patients. Findings highlight the potential utility of interventions aimed at reducing fears of compassion and increasing comfort with and tolerance of compassion from both others and oneself among SUD patients with BPD symptoms in order to strengthen relationships and reduce risk for relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim L Gratz
- Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, 2801 West Bancroft Street, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA.
| | - Warner Myntti
- Department of Psychology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
| | - Adam J D Mann
- Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, 2801 West Bancroft Street, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA
| | - Ariana G Vidaña
- Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, 2801 West Bancroft Street, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA
| | - Matthew T Tull
- Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, 2801 West Bancroft Street, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA
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24
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Matos M, Petrocchi N, Irons C, Steindl SR. Never underestimate fears, blocks, and resistances: The interplay between experiential practices, self-conscious emotions, and the therapeutic relationship in compassion focused therapy. J Clin Psychol 2022. [PMID: 36563306 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Experiential practices are a core component of compassion focused therapy (CFT). Throughout the treatment process, the client's engagement with these practices may become blocked, resulting in a rupture in the therapeutic relationship. In these instances, the interplay between these experiential practices and the therapeutic relationship becomes an essential focus of therapy to repair the rupture, re-engage the client in the therapeutic process, and proceed with the CFT treatment plan. This paper presents the case of a man diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, with the presence of shame-based self-criticism, treated via 12 sessions of CFT. CFT was proceeding well until certain embodiment practices and chair work were introduced, at which point the client refused to continue and became disengaged in the session. The process of repair and re-engagement will be discussed from the perspective of this interplay between experiential exercises and therapeutic relationships. Implications for CFT practice and clinical recommendations will be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Matos
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculdade de Psicologia e Ciências da Educação, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nicola Petrocchi
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, John Cabot University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Stanley R Steindl
- Compassionate Mind Research Group, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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25
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McBride NL, Bates GW, Elphinstone B, Whitehead R. Self-compassion and social anxiety: The mediating effect of emotion regulation strategies and the influence of depressed mood. Psychol Psychother 2022; 95:1036-1055. [PMID: 35859529 PMCID: PMC9796305 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Self-compassion constitutes a positive way of relating towards the self that enables emotional regulation and reduces emotional distress. This research first explored differences among a sample of persons with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and groups of high socially anxious (HSA) and low socially anxious (LSA) students on self-compassion, emotion regulation, and social anxiety. We then investigated emotional regulation as a mediator of the prediction of social anxiety by self-compassion and the influence of depressed mood on those relationships. DESIGN Study 1 compared a SAD group to matched groups of HSA and LSA students. Study 2 utilized the total sample (n = 330 students and n = 33 SAD) to test mediation. Self-compassion and emotion regulation were predictors of social anxiety and depression a covariate. RESULTS In Study 1, the SAD group did not differ from the HSA group on most aspects of self-compassion and emotional regulation but was higher on depression. Both were lower on most measures and higher on depression than the LSA group. In Study 2, higher self-compassion predicted lower social interaction anxiety, and emotional regulation strategies mediated this effect, regardless of depression. However, for social performance anxiety, controlling for depression removed mediation. Refraining from uncompassionate responses was directly connected to social anxiety, whereas compassionate responses influenced social anxiety via emotional regulation. CONCLUSIONS Results affirm the ameliorative role of self-compassion on social anxiety and emotion regulation strategies as mechanisms of that influence. However, self-compassion's influence was affected by depression and type of social anxiety. Also, refraining from uncompassionate self-responding appears to be of prime importance in predicting social anxiety, whereas compassionate self-responding influences social anxiety via emotion regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Luke McBride
- Swinburne University of TechnologyDepartment of Psychological SciencesMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Glen W. Bates
- Swinburne University of TechnologyDepartment of Psychological SciencesMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Brad Elphinstone
- Swinburne University of TechnologyDepartment of Psychological SciencesMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Richard Whitehead
- Swinburne University of TechnologyDepartment of Psychological SciencesMelbourneVic.Australia
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Exploring the Relationship Between Compassion and Attachment in Individuals with Mental Health Difficulties: A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PSYCHOTHERAPY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10879-022-09573-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe objective of the review was to explore the relevance of the relationship of compassion and attachment to mental health. APAPsycInfo, APAPsycArticles, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Social Science Database, Sociology Database, PTSDpubs, Pubmed, and Web of Science were searched from their inception until November 9, 2021. Peer-reviewed empirical studies exploring the compassion–attachment relationship in individuals with mental health difficulties through outcome measures were included. Studies were excluded if non-empirical, with non-clinical/subclinical samples, in a language other than English and if they did not consider the compassion–attachment relationship. Risk of bias was assessed through The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and the Downs and Black Checklist. Seven eligible studies comprising 4839 participants were identified, with low to moderate risk of overall bias. Findings indicated a more straightforward relationship between self-compassion and secure attachment and confirmed the relevance of compassion and attachment to psychological functioning. Limitations concerned study design, the use of self-report measures, and low generalisability. While suggesting mechanisms underpinning compassion and attachment, the review corroborates the role of secure attachment and self-compassion as therapeutic targets against mental health difficulties. This study is registered on PROSPERO number CRD42021296279.
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Addiss DG, Richards A, Adiabu S, Horwath E, Leruth S, Graham AL, Buesseler H. Epidemiology of compassion: A literature review. Front Psychol 2022; 13:992705. [DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.992705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychology and neuroscience have contributed significantly to advances in understanding compassion. In contrast, little attention has been given to the epidemiology of compassion. The human experience of compassion is heterogeneous with respect to time, place, and person. Therefore, compassion has an epidemiology, although little is known about the factors that account for spatial or temporal clustering of compassion or how these factors might be harnessed to promote and realize a more compassionate world. We reviewed the scientific literature to describe what is known about “risk factors” for compassion towards others. Studies were included if they used quantitative methods, treated compassion as an outcome, and used measures of compassion that included elements of empathy and action to alleviate suffering. Eighty-two studies met the inclusion criteria; 89 potential risk factors were tested 418 times for association with compassion. Significant associations with compassion were found for individual demographic factors (e.g., gender, religious faith); personal characteristics (e.g., emotional intelligence, perspective-taking, secure attachment); personal experience (e.g., previous adversity); behaviors (e.g., church attendance); circumstantial factors during the compassion encounter (e.g., perceptions of suffering severity, relational proximity of the compassion-giver and -receiver, emotional state of the compassion-giver); and organizational features. Few studies explored the capacity to receive, rather than give, compassion. Definitions and measures of compassion varied widely across disciplines; 87% of studies used self-report measures and 39% used a cross-sectional design. Ten randomized clinical trials documented the effectiveness of compassion training. From an epidemiologic perspective, most studies treated compassion as an individual host factor rather than as transmissible or influenced by time or the environment. The causal pathways leading from suffering to a compassionate response appear to be non-linear and complex. A variety of factors (acting as effect modifiers) appear to be permissive of—or essential for—the arising of compassion in certain settings or specific populations. Future epidemiologic research on compassion should take into account contextual and environmental factors and should elucidate compassion-related dynamics within organizations and human systems. Such research should be informed by a range of epidemiologic tools and methods, as well as insights from other scientific disciplines and spiritual and religious traditions.
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Lobbestael J, Freund VL, Geschwind N, Meesters C, Peeters FPML. The role of subclinical psychopathic traits on experimentally induced self- and other-compassion. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:948129. [PMID: 36425282 PMCID: PMC9681498 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.948129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychopathic traits come with high levels of anger and aggression. Since previous studies showed that compassion can mitigate both anger and aggression, the current research puts compassion forward as a possible target to alleviate psychopathy's destructive patterns. Specifically, the present study explored the influence of subclinical psychopathic traits-as well as their three subcomponents egocentricity, callousness, and antisociality-on the efficacy of experimentally induced self-compassion (SC) and other-compassion (OC). This manuscript is part of a larger study in which student and community participants (N = 230, M age = 27.41, 65.2% female) completed a psychopathic trait questionnaire to assess their dimensional level of psychopathy, filled out state SC and OC questionnaires, and were randomized to participate in an experimental self- or other-compassion induction. It was expected that psychopathic traits would positively relate to increases in SC but negatively relate to increases in OC. Baseline levels of both SC and OC negatively related to psychopathy. Overall, as expected, the results on change scores show that subclinical psychopathic traits positively related to a stronger increase in SC, irrespective of the type of compassion induction. This positive relation between a stronger increase in SC and psychopathy total and callousness was more pronounced after the SC induction, rather than after the OC induction. Psychopathic traits did not differentially influence changes in OC. One implication of this study is that high psychopathic and callousness traits predispose to profit extra from targeting SC. Furthermore, psychopathic traits do not hinder increasing compassion for others. These findings suggest that compassion is a promising intervention to improve the wellbeing of people with elevated subclinical psychopathic traits and those around them. Although further research is needed to assess the impact of compassion on anger and aggression specifically, and on clinical psychopathy, the current study suggests that both SC and OC may be useful intervention targets in case of elevated psychopathic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Lobbestael
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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29
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Freund VL, Peeters F, Meesters C, Geschwind N, Lemmens LHJM, Bernstein DP, Lobbestael J. Narcissistic traits and compassion: Embracing oneself while devoiding others. Front Psychol 2022; 13:914270. [PMID: 36304848 PMCID: PMC9592718 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.914270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Grandiose narcissistic traits refer to exploitative and arrogant attitudes, while vulnerable narcissistic traits entail hypersensitivity to judgment and low self-esteem. Little is known about how individuals with narcissistic traits can improve their attitudes toward themselves and others. The current research puts self- and other compassion forward as possible targets to alleviate some of destructive patterns of narcissism. Generally, self-compassion (SC) has previously been associated with beneficial effects on psychological wellbeing, while other compassion (OC) is advantageous for interpersonal relationships. This study explored the relationship between narcissistic traits and the efficacy of experimental compassion inductions. Student and community participants (N = 230, M age = 27.41, 65.2% female) completed grandiose and vulnerable narcissistic trait, SC and OC state questionnaires, and either an SC or OC induction. It was expected that individuals with higher narcissistic traits (particularly grandiose traits) would benefit from the inductions and show higher SC after but would have greater difficulty showing meaningful increases in OC (especially OC directed at the general population). The results indicated that individual differences in grandiose and vulnerable narcissistic traits are related to the magnitude of improvements following the inductions: the theorized lack of SC in individuals with vulnerable oversensitivity to judgment traits seems possible to be counteracted through different types of compassion exercises. Moreover, higher grandiose exploitativeness-entitlement and global vulnerable narcissistic traits related to less increases than others. However, directly inducing OC in individuals with these traits was linked to greater OC improvements than improvements after inducing SC. Overall, the present findings suggest that self-compassionate behavior can be improved in individuals with high oversensitivity and that other compassionate behavior could potentially be increased if, specifically, other compassion exercises are utilized when higher levels of certain narcissistic traits are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Lea Freund
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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30
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Kurebayashi Y, Sugimoto H. Self-compassion and related factors in severe mental illness: A scoping review. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2022; 58:3044-3061. [PMID: 34988995 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.13017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To clarify what is known and identify research gaps on the role of self-compassion (SC) and potential interventions for individuals with severe mental illness (SMI). DESIGN AND METHODS We analyzed 24 studies of SC in schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder (BD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). FINDINGS Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) was the most common intervention. Predicting depression by SC was common in MDD and BD; however, relationships between demographics/clinical variables and SC in BD and schizophrenia spectrum disorder remain unclear. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS MBCT increases SC in SMI. Data regarding predictors of SC are limited, especially in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hiroshi Sugimoto
- Faculty of Nursing, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
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31
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Asano K, Tsuchiya M, Okamoto Y, Ohtani T, Sensui T, Masuyama A, Isato A, Shoji M, Shiraishi T, Shimizu E, Irons C, Gilbert P. Benefits of group compassion-focused therapy for treatment-resistant depression: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Front Psychol 2022; 13:903842. [PMID: 36033032 PMCID: PMC9415126 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.903842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depression is one of the most common mental health problems worldwide. More than one-third of patients suffer from treatment-resistant depression (TRD). In this study, we explored the feasibility of group compassion-focused therapy (CFT) for TRD using a randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups. Eighteen participants were randomly allocated to the intervention group (CFT and usual care) and control group (usual care alone) and a participant in each group withdrew. Participants in the intervention group received a 1.5-h session every week for 12 weeks. The effects of the intervention on the participants' scores were calculated using a linear mixed model. There was a larger reduction in their depressive symptoms and fears of compassion for self and a greater increase in their compassion for self compared to the control group participants. The reliable clinical indices showed that in the CFT (intervention) group, three of nine participants recovered (33%), two improved (22%), two recovered but non-reliably (22%), and the condition of two remained unchanged (22%). These findings indicate adequate feasibility of group CFT for TRD in Japanese clinical settings. Clinical trial registration [https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [UMIN 000028698].
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Asano
- Department of Psychological Counseling, Faculty of Psychology, Mejiro University, Tokyo, Japan
- The Japanese Centre for Compassionate Mind Research and Training, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Yoko Okamoto
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Toshihiko Sensui
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Saitama Gakuen University, Saitama, Japan
| | | | - Ayako Isato
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Saitama Gakuen University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masami Shoji
- Department of Psychological Counseling, Faculty of Psychology, Mejiro University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Eiji Shimizu
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Paul Gilbert
- Centre for Compassion Research and Training, College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
- The Compassionate Mind Foundation, Derby, United Kingdom
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Pfeiffer S, Peixoto Pereira N, Saraiva de Macedo Lisboa C. Fears of Compassion Scales: Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validity Evidence for Use in Brazil. TRENDS IN PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [PMCID: PMC9360723 DOI: 10.1007/s43076-022-00220-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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33
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Johannsen M, Schlander C, Farver-Vestergaard I, Lundorff M, Wellnitz KB, Komischke-Konnerup KB, O'Connor M. Group-based compassion-focused therapy for prolonged grief symptoms in adults - Results from a randomized controlled trial. Psychiatry Res 2022; 314:114683. [PMID: 35717855 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged grief disorder is a debilitating condition, which affects approximately one out of ten who lose a loved one. While existing meta-analyses have synthesized evidence regarding the overall effect of psychological interventions for pathological grief across different types of psychotherapy, it remains clinically relevant to explore whether specific types of psychological interventions are efficacious in the treatment of grief. The present study investigated the efficacy of group-based Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) for adults who had lost a spouse or a parent, and who reported clinically relevant levels of prolonged grief symptoms (PGS) at 11 months post-loss. A total of 82 participants were randomized to the CFT group (n = 42) or the waitlist control (n = 40). Time × group interactions showed no statistically significant effects of the intervention on the primary outcome PGS at post-intervention or 6-month follow-up. Likewise, no statistically significant effects were found for any of the secondary outcomes or process variables, with the exception of posttraumatic stress symptoms and self-reassurance. Taken together, in the present study group-based CFT did not emerge as an efficacious treatment for PGS. Possible explanations include that CFT may not target core maintaining processes in PGS and that the group-based, 8-week operationalization of CFT may be less than optimal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Johannsen
- Unit for Bereavement Research, Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 11, Aarhus C DK-8000, Denmark; Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 11, Bartholins Allé 9, Bld. 1350, Aarhus C DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Christina Schlander
- Centre for Compassion-Focused Therapy, Møllestien 52, Aarhus C DK-8000, Denmark
| | | | - Marie Lundorff
- Department of Communication, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus N DK-8200, Denmark
| | - Kaare Bro Wellnitz
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 11, Bartholins Allé 9, Bld. 1350, Aarhus C DK-8000, Denmark; Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Universitetsbyen 21-23, Aarhus C DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Katrine B Komischke-Konnerup
- Unit for Bereavement Research, Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 11, Aarhus C DK-8000, Denmark; Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 11, Bartholins Allé 9, Bld. 1350, Aarhus C DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Maja O'Connor
- Unit for Bereavement Research, Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 11, Aarhus C DK-8000, Denmark; Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 11, Bartholins Allé 9, Bld. 1350, Aarhus C DK-8000, Denmark.
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Gilbert P, Basran JK, Raven J, Gilbert H, Petrocchi N, Cheli S, Rayner A, Hayes A, Lucre K, Minou P, Giles D, Byrne F, Newton E, McEwan K. Compassion Focused Group Therapy for People With a Diagnosis of Bipolar Affective Disorder: A Feasibility Study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:841932. [PMID: 35936292 PMCID: PMC9347420 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.841932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Compassion focused therapy (CFT) is an evolutionary informed, biopsychosocial approach to mental health problems and therapy. It suggests that evolved motives (e.g., for caring, cooperating, competing) are major sources for the organisation of psychophysiological processes which underpin mental health problems. Hence, evolved motives can be targets for psychotherapy. People with certain types of depression are psychophysiologically orientated towards social competition and concerned with social status and social rank. These can give rise to down rank-focused forms of social comparison, sense of inferiority, worthlessness, lowered confidence, submissive behaviour, shame proneness and self-criticism. People with bipolar disorders also experience elevated aspects of competitiveness and up rank status evaluation. These shift processing to a sense of superiority, elevated confidence, energised behaviour, positive affect and social dominance. This is the first study to explore the feasibility of a 12 module CFT group, tailored to helping people with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder understand the impact of evolved competitive, status-regulating motivation on their mental states and the value of cultivating caring and compassion motives and their psychophysiological regulators. Methods Six participants with a history of bipolar disorder took part in a CFT group consisting of 12 modules (over 25 sessions) as co-collaborators to explore their personal experiences of CFT and potential processes of change. Assessment of change was measured via self-report, heart rate variability (HRV) and focus groups over three time points. Results Although changes in self-report scales between participants and across time were uneven, four of the six participants consistently showed improvements across the majority of self-report measures. Heart rate variability measures revealed significant improvement over the course of the therapy. Qualitative data from three focus groups revealed participants found CFT gave them helpful insight into: how evolution has given rise to a number of difficult problems for emotion regulation (called tricky brain) which is not one's fault; an evolutionary understanding of the nature of bipolar disorders; development of a compassionate mind and practices of compassion focused visualisations, styles of thinking and behaviours; addressing issues of self-criticism; and building a sense of a compassionate identity as a means of coping with life difficulties. These impacted their emotional regulation and social relationships. Conclusion Although small, the study provides evidence of feasibility, acceptability and engagement with CFT. Focus group analysis revealed that participants were able to switch from competitive focused to compassion focused processing with consequent improvements in mental states and social behaviour. Participants indicated a journey over time from 'intellectually' understanding the process of building a compassionate mind to experiencing a more embodied sense of compassion that had significant impacts on their orientation to (and working with) the psychophysiological processes of bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Gilbert
- Centre for Compassion Research and Training, College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
- The Compassionate Mind Foundation, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Jaskaran K. Basran
- Centre for Compassion Research and Training, College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
- The Compassionate Mind Foundation, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne Raven
- The Compassionate Mind Foundation, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Gilbert
- The Compassionate Mind Foundation, Derby, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Petrocchi
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, John Cabot University, Rome, Italy
- Compassionate Mind ITALIA, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Cheli
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrew Rayner
- The Compassionate Mind Foundation, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Hayes
- Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Lucre
- Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Paschalina Minou
- Department of Philosophy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - David Giles
- Lattice Coaching and Training, Chesterfield, United Kingdom
| | - Frances Byrne
- Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Newton
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsten McEwan
- Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Muramoto M, Kita S, Tobe H, Ikeda M, Kamibeppu K. The association between self-compassion in the postnatal period and difficult experiences with COVID-19 pandemic-related changes during pregnancy: An observational study for women at 1-month postnatal in Japan. Jpn J Nurs Sci 2022; 19:e12494. [PMID: 35661592 PMCID: PMC9348379 DOI: 10.1111/jjns.12494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Aim This observational study aimed to describe the rate and degree of difficult experiences with COVID‐19 pandemic‐related changes (DE) during pregnancy, clarify the relationship between DE and self‐compassion of women postnatally, and investigate the influence of compassion from a partner (CP) and compassion from the woman's mother (CM) on this relationship. Methods Data from 46 1‐month postnatal women in Japan were collected through a self‐report questionnaire from October to December 2020. Self‐compassion was measured using the Japanese version of the Self‐Compassion Scale; DE, CP, and CM were measured using original questions based on prior studies. Results Almost all participants (97.8%) experienced more than one DE during pregnancy. Data analyses revealed that DE in maternity hospitals (d = 0.76), DE in social support (d = 0.53), and CM (d = 0.64) were associated with self‐compassion. A two‐way analysis of variance suggested that CM moderated the relationship between self‐compassion and DE in preparation for the baby (η2 = 0.11) and the birth plan (η2 = 0.11), whereas CP moderated the relationship between self‐compassion and DE in social support (η2 = 0.07). Conclusions Our findings suggest that self‐compassion negatively correlates with DE in maternity hospitals and social support. Additionally, CM may buffer the influence of DE in preparation for the baby and the birth plan on self‐compassion; moreover, CP may buffer the influence of DE in social support on self‐compassion. This study highlights the importance of supporting perinatal women to adapt to COVID‐19‐related changes through cooperation with their families, which may increase self‐compassion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyuki Muramoto
- Department of Family Nursing, Division of Health Science & Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sachiko Kita
- Department of Family Nursing, Division of Health Science & Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Health Policy, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromi Tobe
- Department of Family Nursing, Division of Health Science & Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Global Nursing Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mari Ikeda
- Department of Family Nursing, Division of Health Science & Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Global Nursing Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Kamibeppu
- Department of Family Nursing, Division of Health Science & Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,QOL Research Center for Children and Family, Tokyo, Japan
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Fagan S, Hodge S, Morris C. Experiences of Compassion in Adults With a Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Psychol Rep 2022; 125:1326-1347. [PMID: 33730923 PMCID: PMC9136373 DOI: 10.1177/00332941211000661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The study explored experiences of compassion in adults with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) to further the development of the construct of compassion in relation to BPD. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to develop themes from the narratives of six adults with a diagnosis of BPD. Five themes emerged: Emotional Connection to Suffering, Empathic Understanding, Prioritisation of Needs, A Model of Genuine Compassion and Developing Acceptance and Worth. Participants described the role of compassion in their difficulties, including the adverse impact of experiences of incompassion upon their sense of self. The themes were integrated into a model that highlighted a process of recovery through therapeutic encounters with others in which genuine compassion was modelled. In addition, barriers to compassion and factors facilitating the development of compassion emerged from the analysis and have implications for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Fagan
- Primary/Intermediate Mental Health Team, 1756Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool, UK
| | - Suzanne Hodge
- Division of Health Research, 4396Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Charlotte Morris
- Recovery Team, North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Trust, Warrington, UK
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Chan KKS, Lee JCK, Yu EKW, Chan AWY, Leung ANM, Cheung RYM, Li CW, Kong RHM, Chen J, Wan SLY, Tang CHY, Yum YN, Jiang D, Wang L, Tse CY. The Impact of Compassion from Others and Self-compassion on Psychological Distress, Flourishing, and Meaning in Life Among University Students. Mindfulness (N Y) 2022; 13:1490-1498. [PMID: 35506030 PMCID: PMC9050348 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-022-01891-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Research shows that compassion from others and from the self may enable university students to face, overcome, and bounce back from adversity and generate a greater sense of thriving and meaning in life. However, the underlying processes are largely unknown. The present study aimed to examine the associations of compassion with psychological distress, flourishing, and meaning in life among university students and explore the mechanisms underlying these associations. Methods A total of 536 Hong Kong university students completed questionnaires measuring their experiences of compassion from others, self-compassion, resilience, psychological distress, flourishing, and meaning in life. Results Serial mediation analyses showed that compassion from others was associated positively with self-compassion, which was, in turn, linked to greater resilience and consequently lower levels of psychological distress and higher levels of flourishing and meaning in life. Conclusions Our findings reveal the associations of compassion from others and self-compassion with the well-being and life meaning of university students. The findings highlight the importance of being open and receptive to love and kindness from others. The findings also point to the importance of developing a caring attitude toward oneself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Ka Shing Chan
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.,Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - John Chi-Kin Lee
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.,Centre for Religious and Spirituality Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Eric Kwan Wai Yu
- Department of Literature and Cultural Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Arita W Y Chan
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Angel Nga Man Leung
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.,Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Rebecca Y M Cheung
- Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.,Centre for Child and Family Science, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Chin Wa Li
- Centre for Religious and Spirituality Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.,Department of International Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Raymond Ho-Man Kong
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Junjun Chen
- Department of Education Policy and Leadership, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Sarah Lai Yin Wan
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.,Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Christine Hau Yu Tang
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.,Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Yen Na Yum
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.,Integrated Centre for Wellbeing, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Da Jiang
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.,Integrated Centre for Wellbeing, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Lixun Wang
- Department of Linguistics and Modern Language Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Chun Yip Tse
- Centre for Language in Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
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Griner D, Erekson DM, Beecher ME, Cattani K, Burlingame GM. The power of compassion in group psycotherapy. J Clin Psychol 2022; 78:1601-1612. [PMID: 35411596 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Research has repeatedly demonstrated that individual and group psychotherapy are equally effective. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) has been shown to be an effective approach to treating individuals with a wide range of presenting mental health concerns. In this study, we discuss the basic tenets of CFT and introduce a 12-module CFT group psychotherapy approach for college counseling centers. We use a clinical vignette to provide an example of how psychotherapists may implement this approach. We then discuss clinical applications, including strengths and limitations of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Griner
- Counseling and Psychological Services, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - David M Erekson
- Counseling and Psychological Services, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Mark E Beecher
- Counseling and Psychological Services, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Kara Cattani
- Counseling and Psychological Services, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Gary M Burlingame
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
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Steindl S, Bell T, Dixon A, Kirby JN. Therapist perspectives on working with fears, blocks and resistances to compassion in compassion focused therapy. COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/capr.12530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stan Steindl
- Compassionate Mind Research Group School of Psychology University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Tobyn Bell
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health School of Health Sciences University of Manchester Manchester UK
| | - Alison Dixon
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust Manchester UK
| | - James N. Kirby
- Compassionate Mind Research Group School of Psychology University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
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40
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Walton CC, Osborne MS, Gilbert P, Kirby J. Nurturing self-compassionate performers. AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00050067.2022.2033952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney C. Walton
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret S. Osborne
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul Gilbert
- Centre for Compassion Research and Training, College of Health and Social Care Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - James Kirby
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Compassionate Mind Research Group, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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41
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Andersson C, Mellner C, Lilliengren P, Einhorn S, Bergsten KL, Stenström E, Osika W. Cultivating Compassion and Reducing Stress and Mental Ill-Health in Employees-A Randomized Controlled Study. Front Psychol 2022; 12:748140. [PMID: 35153892 PMCID: PMC8830419 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.748140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress and mental ill-health carry considerable costs for both individuals and organizations. Although interventions targeting compassion and self-compassion have been shown to reduce stress and benefit mental health, related research in organizational settings is limited. We investigated the effects of a 6-week psychological intervention utilizing compassion training on stress, mental health, and self-compassion. Forty-nine employees of two organizations were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 25) or a physical exercise control condition (n = 24). Multilevel growth models showed that stress (p = 0.04) and mental ill-health (p = 0.02) decreased over 3 months in both groups (pre-intervention to follow-up: Cohen's d = -0.46 and d = 0.33, respectively), while self-compassion only increased in the intervention group (p = 0.03, between group d = 0.53). There were no significant effects on life satisfaction in any of the groups (p > 0.53). The findings show promising results regarding the ability of compassion training within organizations to decrease stress and mental ill-health and increase self-compassion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christin Mellner
- Center for Arts, Business & Culture (ABC), Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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42
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Zhang S, Guo M, Wang J, Lin L. The Relationship Between Fears of Compassion, Emotion Regulation Difficulties, and Emotional Eating in College Students: A Moderated Mediation Model. Front Psychol 2022; 12:780144. [PMID: 35035369 PMCID: PMC8755638 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.780144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although previous research has found the impact of fears of compassion on eating disorders, the mechanism underlying the relationship between fears of compassion and emotional eating remains to be examined. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of emotion regulation difficulties in the relationships between fears of compassion and emotional eating in college students, as well as the gender difference in the mediation model. The Fears of Compassion Scale, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire were completed by 673 college students in Fujian Province, China. Structural Equation Modeling was primarily employed to analyze the data. The results showed that both fear of compassion for self and fear of compassion from others were positively associated with emotion regulation difficulties, which in turn were related to emotional eating for female college students. Emotion regulation difficulties played a significant mediating effect in the relationship between fears of compassion and emotional eating. Comparatively, for male college students, only fear of compassion for self was positively associated with emotion regulation difficulties, but emotion regulation difficulties were not related to emotion eating. Moreover, the mediating effect of emotion regulation difficulties was not significant in the relationship between fears of compassion and emotion eating for male college students. The findings suggest that it is important to improve individuals' fears of compassion to reduce emotional eating, particularly for female college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwei Zhang
- School of Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Mingchun Guo
- School of Psychology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jingyun Wang
- School of Psychology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lihua Lin
- School of Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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43
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Compassion Protects Mental Health and Social Safeness During the COVID-19 Pandemic Across 21 Countries. Mindfulness (N Y) 2022; 13:863-880. [PMID: 35003380 PMCID: PMC8724602 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-021-01822-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic is having an unprecedented detrimental impact on mental health in people around the world. It is important therefore to explore factors that may buffer or accentuate the risk of mental health problems in this context. Given that compassion has numerous benefits for mental health, emotion regulation, and social relationships, this study examines the buffering effects of different flows of compassion (for self, for others, from others) against the impact of perceived threat of COVID-19 on depression, anxiety, and stress, and social safeness. Methods The study was conducted in a sample of 4057 adult participants from the general community population, collected across 21 countries from Europe, Middle East, North America, South America, Asia, and Oceania. Participants completed self-report measures of perceived threat of COVID-19, compassion (for self, for others, from others), depression, anxiety, stress, and social safeness. Results Perceived threat of COVID-19 was associated with higher scores in depression, anxiety, and stress, and lower scores in social safeness. Self-compassion and compassion from others were associated with lower psychological distress and higher social safeness. Compassion for others was associated with lower depressive symptoms. Self-compassion moderated the relationship between perceived threat of COVID-19 on depression, anxiety, and stress, whereas compassion from others moderated the effects of fears of contracting COVID-19 on social safeness. These effects were consistent across all countries. Conclusions Our findings highlight the universal protective role of compassion, in particular self-compassion and compassion from others, in promoting resilience by buffering against the harmful effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and social safeness. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-021-01822-2.
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44
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Sousa R, Ribeiro da Silva D, Petrocchi N, Gilbert P, Rijo D. At the heart of change: Differences in young offenders' HRV patterns after the delivery of the PSYCHOPATHY.COMP program. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1032011. [PMID: 36704737 PMCID: PMC9872126 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1032011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Literature has pointed the need for intervention programs specifically tailored to target the treatment needs of young offenders, as well as the need to test the efficacy of such programs through physiological indexes of emotion regulation (e.g., heart rate variability; HRV), complementing self-reports typically used as outcome measures. The PSYCHOPATHY.COMP is a 20-session individual intervention program based on Compassion Focused Therapy aiming to reduce psychopathic traits and disruptive behavior among young offenders through the development of a compassionate motivation, while stimulating the soothing system as a strategy to improve emotion regulation. Previous research with young offenders has shown decreases in vagally mediated HRV (vmHRV) when the soothing system is activated. This physiological pattern seems to mirror threat-like responses that contrast with relaxed states. METHODS To test the efficacy of the PSYCHOPATHY.COMP, a clinical trial was implemented encompassing a treatment (n = 56) and a control group (n = 53). Treatment participants attended the PSYCHOPATHY.COMP, while controls received the Treatment As Usual (TAU) delivered in Portuguese juvenile detention facilities. HRV data was collected throughout a standardized procedure (encompassing resting, reactivity and recovery phases) specifically designed to trigger the soothing system. Participants were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment and 6-months follow-up. RESULTS Although treatment participants continued to process the soothing system as unpleasant (with decreased vmHRV), they seem to become able to adaptively recover from the stimuli without avoiding it or resorting to maladaptive coping strategies. The physiological pattern was in line with participants' decreases in difficulties in emotion regulation across the assessment periods. In contrast, controls seemed to have actively employed coping strategies associated with increases in vmHRV not only when the soothing system was triggered, but also when recovering from the stimuli. Congruently, for controls, increases in difficulties in emotion regulation were found, with increases in the lack of emotional clarity across the assessment periods. DISCUSSION Findings offer new evidence for the efficacy of the PSYCHOPATHY.COMP program in improving emotion regulation in young offenders, assessed through both self-report and physiological measures. Additionally, findings support the assessment of the autonomic balance as a treatment efficacy index in future research, targeting the rehabilitation of these youth. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03971682.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rúben Sousa
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diana Ribeiro da Silva
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nicola Petrocchi
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, John Cabot University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paul Gilbert
- School of Allied Health and Social Care, College of Health and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Rijo
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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45
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Matos M, McEwan K, Kanovský M, Halamová J, Steindl SR, Ferreira N, Linharelhos M, Rijo D, Asano K, Vilas SP, Márquez MG, Gregório S, Brito-Pons G, Lucena-Santos P, Oliveira MDS, de Souza EL, Llobenes L, Gumiy N, Costa MI, Habib N, Hakem R, Khrad H, Alzahrani A, Cheli S, Petrocchi N, Tholouli E, Issari P, Simos G, Lunding-Gregersen V, Elklit A, Kolts R, Kelly AC, Bortolon C, Delamillieure P, Paucsik M, Wahl JE, Zieba M, Zatorski M, Komendziński T, Zhang S, Basran J, Kagialis A, Kirby J, Gilbert P. The role of social connection on the experience of COVID-19 related post-traumatic growth and stress. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261384. [PMID: 34910779 PMCID: PMC8673633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Historically social connection has been an important way through which humans have coped with large-scale threatening events. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns have deprived people of major sources of social support and coping, with others representing threats. Hence, a major stressor during the pandemic has been a sense of social disconnection and loneliness. This study explores how people's experience of compassion and feeling socially safe and connected, in contrast to feeling socially disconnected, lonely and fearful of compassion, effects the impact of perceived threat of COVID-19 on post-traumatic growth and post-traumatic stress. METHODS Adult participants from the general population (N = 4057) across 21 countries worldwide, completed self-report measures of social connection (compassion for self, from others, for others; social safeness), social disconnection (fears of compassion for self, from others, for others; loneliness), perceived threat of COVID-19, post-traumatic growth and traumatic stress. RESULTS Perceived threat of COVID-19 predicted increased post-traumatic growth and traumatic stress. Social connection (compassion and social safeness) predicted higher post-traumatic growth and traumatic stress, whereas social disconnection (fears of compassion and loneliness) predicted increased traumatic symptoms only. Social connection heightened the impact of perceived threat of COVID-19 on post-traumatic growth, while social disconnection weakened this impact. Social disconnection magnified the impact of the perceived threat of COVID-19 on traumatic stress. These effects were consistent across all countries. CONCLUSIONS Social connection is key to how people adapt and cope with the worldwide COVID-19 crisis and may facilitate post-traumatic growth in the context of the threat experienced during the pandemic. In contrast, social disconnection increases vulnerability to develop post-traumatic stress in this threatening context. Public health and Government organizations could implement interventions to foster compassion and feelings of social safeness and reduce experiences of social disconnection, thus promoting growth, resilience and mental wellbeing during and following the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Matos
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Kirsten McEwan
- Centre for Compassion Research and Training, College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Kanovský
- Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Institute of Social Anthropology, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Júlia Halamová
- Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Institute of Applied Psychology, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Stanley R. Steindl
- Compassionate Mind Research Group, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nuno Ferreira
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Mariana Linharelhos
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniel Rijo
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Kenichi Asano
- Department of Psychological Counseling, Faculty of Psychology, Mejiro University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sara P. Vilas
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Behavior, Emotions, and Health Research Group, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Margarita G. Márquez
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Behavior, Emotions, and Health Research Group, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sónia Gregório
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Behavior, Emotions, and Health Research Group, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Brito-Pons
- Escuela de Psicología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paola Lucena-Santos
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Margareth da Silva Oliveira
- Evaluation and Treatment in Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapies—Research Group (GAAPCC), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Noor Habib
- Neuroscience Department, Section of Psychiatry and Psychology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reham Hakem
- Neuroscience Department, Section of Psychiatry and Psychology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussain Khrad
- Neuroscience Department, Section of Psychiatry and Psychology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Alzahrani
- Neuroscience Department, Section of Psychiatry and Psychology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Simone Cheli
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Nicola Petrocchi
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, John Cabot University, Rome, Italy
| | - Elli Tholouli
- Center for Qualitative Research in Psychology and Psychosocial Well-being, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Philia Issari
- Center for Qualitative Research in Psychology and Psychosocial Well-being, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gregoris Simos
- Department of Educational and Social Policy, University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Ask Elklit
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Russell Kolts
- Department of Psychology, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA, United States of America
| | - Allison C. Kelly
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Catherine Bortolon
- Laboratoire Inter-universitaire de Psychologie: Personnalité, Cognition et Changement Social, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
- Centre Hospitalier Alpes Isère, C3R - Réhabilitation psychosociale et remédiation cognitive, Grenoble, France
| | - Pascal Delamillieure
- CHU de Caen, Service de Psychiatrie Adulte, Caen, France
- UNICAEN, ISTS, GIP Cyceron, University of Normandy, Caen, France
| | - Marine Paucsik
- Laboratoire Inter-universitaire de Psychologie: Personnalité, Cognition et Changement Social, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
| | - Julia E. Wahl
- The Mind Institute Poland, Warsaw, Poland
- SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw & Poznań, Poland
| | - Mariusz Zieba
- SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw & Poznań, Poland
| | - Mateusz Zatorski
- SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw & Poznań, Poland
| | - Tomasz Komendziński
- Department of Cognitive Science, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torún, Poland
- Neurocognitive Laboratory, Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torún, Poland
| | - Shuge Zhang
- School of Human Sciences, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Jaskaran Basran
- Centre for Compassion Research and Training, College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Antonios Kagialis
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - James Kirby
- Compassionate Mind Research Group, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Paul Gilbert
- Centre for Compassion Research and Training, College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
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46
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Khanjani S, Asmari Bardezard Y, Foroughi A, Yousef F. Burnout, compassion for others and fear of compassion: a quantitative study in Iranian nurses. TRENDS IN PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY 2021; 43:193-199. [PMID: 34882362 PMCID: PMC8638710 DOI: 10.47626/2237-6089-2020-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Occupational burnout in nurses is a barrier to job promotion and achievement of job-related goals, resulting in reduced hospital performance. Objective Considering the importance of the role of compassion in occupational burnout among nurses, this cross-sectional study aimed to explore the burnout levels and their relationships with compassion for others and fear of compassion. Methods This descriptive correlation study was carried out with 216 nurses who were selected using a multistage cluster sampling method and asked to respond to the Maslach Burnout Inventory, a compassion for others scale and Fears of Compassion Scales (FCS), which includes three subscales; fears of compassion for self, compassion for others, and compassion from others. Results The results showed that burnout had a negative correlation with compassion for others, but had positive correlations with fear of compassion for others, fear of compassion from others, and fear of self-compassion. Moreover, the results of regression analysis showed that 21% of burnout variance was explained by compassion for others and 29% of its variance was explained by fears of compassion scales. Conclusion Based on the findings, compassion can be considered as a protective factor in preventing burnout among nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Khanjani
- Behavioral and Cognitive Science Research Center, Department of Health, Rescue and Treatment of Police Force, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Aliakbar Foroughi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Fayegh Yousef
- Department of Psychiatry, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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47
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Rice SM, Kealy D, Seidler ZE, Walton CC, Oliffe JL, Ogrodniczuk JS. Male-type depression symptoms in young men with a history of childhood sexual abuse and current hazardous alcohol use. Psychiatry Res 2021; 304:114110. [PMID: 34333321 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of male-type or externalising depression symptoms (e.g., anger, risk-taking, emotion suppression) were examined with cross-sectional online convenience sample of 1,277 help-seeking young men (M=23.64, SD=3.61 years). Almost a quarter (21.9%) of the sample reported childhood sexual abuse (CSA) exposure, and most (68.8%) endorsed past 2-week suicide ideation. All male-type depression symptoms were frequently (>30%) endorsed across the sample, and were positively correlated with past 2-week suicide ideation. An adjusted CSA exposure × alcohol risk interaction (p=.013) indicated elevated male-type depression scores for those with a CSA history and hazardous alcohol use. Results are interpreted in line with young men's adherence to masculine norms, which may be particularly complex for young men reporting a CSA exposure history. Findings support the need for enhanced screening efforts, especially among young men with a history of CSA and hazardous alcohol use, with a need to also improve gender-sensitive service offerings for young men with a CSA exposure history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Rice
- Orygen, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - David Kealy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Zac E Seidler
- Orygen, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Courtney C Walton
- Orygen, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John L Oliffe
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Nursing, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John S Ogrodniczuk
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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48
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The flows of compassion in adolescents as measured by the compassionate engagement and action scales. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02097-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Crimston CR, Blessing S, Gilbert P, Kirby JN. Fear leads to suffering: Fears of compassion predict restriction of the moral boundary. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 61:345-365. [PMID: 34279046 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Empirical investigations into the psychological drivers of more or less expansive moral thinking are lacking from the psychological literature. One potential driver that warrants deeper investigation is compassion - a prosocial motivation to both identity and alleviate suffering. The current research examined the extent to which compassion, and fears of compassion, act as a driver and inhibitor, respectively, of a morally expansive mindset. We tested these associations across three studies (N = 749) and found robust support for our predictions. Specifically, stronger compassion to others, and greater fears of extending compassion to others, were linked to enhanced and reduced moral expansiveness, respectively. Moreover, over and above empathy and mindfulness, fears of compassion and compassion uniquely predicted moral expansiveness. Finally, compassion was found to consistently mediate the relationship between fears of compassion to others and moral expansiveness. Our findings further our understanding of the psychological factors that may drive and restrict morally expansive mindsets and hold implications for the broader domains of moral decision-making and prosocial motivation as well as the application of practices that are designed to facilitate a compassionate mindset (e.g., Compassionate Mind Training).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - James N Kirby
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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50
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Carter A, Hoang N, Gilbert P, Kirby JN. Body weight perception outweighs body weight when predicting shame, criticism, depression and anxiety for lower BMI range and higher BMI range adults. J Health Psychol 2021; 27:2276-2290. [PMID: 34240637 DOI: 10.1177/13591053211027641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between body weight shame, self-criticism and mental health for individuals across body weight ranges. In total 1695 participants completed a series of online measures and we used Structural Equation Modelling, to assess for the relationship between weight, perceived weight, social rank (social comparison, body weight shame, submissiveness) self-criticism (inadequate and self-hatred) and anxious and depressive symptoms. Results indicated that perceived body weight is more important than actual body weight in predicting body weight shame. Importantly, individuals classified in higher BMI ranges rely more on the self-hatred form of self-criticism which significantly predicts anxious and depressive symptoms.
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