Self-compassion, self-regulation, and health

Enhancing athlete performance under pressure: the role of attribution training in mitigating choking

Introduction

Choking in athletes describes a marked reduction in their skill level, falling below the normal level, when under stress. This paradoxical performance decline, which athletes strenuously to avoid yet frequently encounter, was the focus of this study. We implemented training interventions on athletes who had experienced choking to assess their impact on fear of failure and self-criticism. Correct or improve the subjects' inappropriate attribution of failure results, and enable them to learn to use appropriate and positive attribution, enhance motivation levels, and thus achieve the purpose of improving behavior and performance levels.

Methods

The snowball sampling technique was used to collect data through the combination of online electronic questionnaires and offline paper questionnaires, so as to explore the choking phenomenon of elite athletes by attributing the influence of training variables on self-efficacy. The research team conducted a survey of elite athletes in Central China between October and December 2023. In this study, 350 questionnaires were distributed, 350 questionnaires were collected after the questionnaires were distributed, and 328 valid questionnaires were finally eliminated through screening. And the relevant statistical analysis is carried out on the data.

Results

The results confirmed the significant correlations between attribution training and fear of failure (β = -0.548, p < 0.001), attribution training and self-criticism (β = -0.531, p < 0.001), fear of failure and self-efficacy (β = -0.240, p < 0.001), and self-criticism and self-efficacy (β = -0.408, p < 0.001). Finally, the correlation between fear of failure and self-criticism (β = -0.211, p < 0.01) was validated.

Conclusion

Athletes who underwent attribution training showed significant reductions in fear of failure and self-criticism, thereby decreasing their negative emotions, enhancing their positive emotions, and improving their self-efficacy during sports performance.

Self-compassion improves barrier self-efficacy and subsequently physical activity: A test of longitudinal mediation using a representative sample of the United Kingdom

INTRODUCTION

Self-compassion, which directs the awareness of suffering, sympathetic concerns and caring motives towards oneself, is an important psychological quality and resource for health and well-being. In the context of physical activity, self-compassion can help individuals overcome obstacles, recuperate from a setback or a lapse and engage in regular physical activity. The present research was the first to examine the longitudinal effects of self-compassion on physical activity and the mediation role of barrier self-efficacy of such effects.

METHODS

We recruited a national representative sample of 654 UK adults and followed them over three timepoints across 9 months. At each time point, participants completed an online survey assessing levels of state self-compassion, barrier self-efficacy and physical activity behaviours. We examined the longitudinal effects of self-compassion on physical activity and the mediation role of barrier self-efficacy.

RESULTS

Baseline state self-compassion consistently correlated with physical activity levels at Times 2 and 3. Barrier self-efficacy at Time 2 mediated the longitudinal effect of baseline state self-compassion on Time 3 physical activity, after controlling for within- (e.g., Time 1 on Time 2 self-compassion) and between-person variations (e.g., covariance of self-compassion and physical activity within a timepoint).

CONCLUSIONS

Adopting a self-compassionate mind facilitates engagement and maintenance of physical activity. Future studies could consider accelerometer-based physical activity measures and develop and validate a more context-specific state self-compassion measure tailored for physical activity contexts. Researchers and practitioners should consider incorporating self-compassion to future interventions and education programmes for promoting physical activity.

Efficacy of an Online Self-compassion Group Intervention for Sexual Minority Men Living with HIV: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Sexual minority men living with HIV face challenges affecting their quality of life and medication adherence. While self-compassion has shown promise in improving quality of life, targeted interventions for this group remain limited. This pilot study evaluated the efficacy of an online self-compassion group intervention on quality of life and medication adherence among sexual minority men living with HIV. A six-week online intervention, adapted from the Mindful Self-Compassion program, was implemented in a two-arm randomized controlled trial with 28 participants, comparing the intervention to a waitlist control group. The primary outcomes were quality of life and self-compassion, with medication adherence as a secondary outcome. Measures were taken at baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up. Linear mixed-effects model showed that the intervention significantly improved quality of life and medication adherence at post-intervention. Although self-compassion showed no significant improvement, over-identification, an uncompassionate self-responding component, showed marginal improvement at follow-up. This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that a self-compassion intervention may improve quality of life and medication adherence in sexual minority men living with HIV, warranting further research with larger sample sizes and a focus on the underlying mechanisms.

Baseline Participant Characteristics are Associated With Engagement in a Movement-Based RCT for Chronic Low-Back Pain

PURPOSE

Examine whether baseline participant characteristics predict engagement in a movement-based RCT for chronic low back pain (CLBP).

DESIGN

Longitudinal study within an RCT.

SETTING

Online.

SUBJECTS

138 individuals with CLBP (18-79 years).

INTERVENTION

Participants were randomized to a 12-week intervention of twice-weekly synchronous online yoga OR stretching/strengthening classes, and received 20-min pre-recorded home videos to complete daily.

MEASURES

Baseline questionnaires assessed sociodemographic, psychosocial, and pain factors (100% response rate). Engagement was operationalized as minutes of class attended + minutes of home videos completed.

RESULTS

Bivariate correlations were computed between baseline variables and engagement. Three multivariate negative binomial generalized linear models (GLMs) were constructed to simultaneously examine predictors of engagement in the domains of sociodemographic, psychosocial, and pain-related factors. Greater engagement was significantly associated with greater baseline age, educational attainment, energy, and emotional well-being, and less emotion regulation difficulties, cannabis use problems, and pain interference (|rs| = .19-.33). In the domain specific GLMs, education (B = .491, P = .017) and cannabis use problems (B = -.048, P = .027) were the only significant predictors in the sociodemographic and psychosocial models, respectively. Neither pain interference nor pain severity were significant in the pain model.

CONCLUSION

Factors identified can inform strategies to increase engagement in movement-based CLBP interventions, potentially improving research validity and outcomes. Limitations include lack of racial diversity and not testing how engagement fluctuates throughout the intervention.

Self-compassion in chronic pain: Validating the self-compassion scale short-form and exploring initial relationships with pain outcomes

Objectives

Validate the English version of the Self-C ompassion Scale S hort-F orm (SCS-SF) as a reliable measure in chronic pain. Explore self-compassion's relationship with pain-related outcomes.

Methods

A total of 240 chronic pain patients (at 6-months) and 256 community participants (at 12-months) completed two prospective survey studies. SCS-SF psychometric properties were evaluated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA), exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM), test-retest reliability (Pearson's r) and internal consistency (Cronbach's α) in both samples. Convergent validity/clinical relevance was assessed in the chronic pain sample via univariate linear regressions between self-compassion and pain intensity, interference, catastrophizing, self-efficacy, anxiety and depression.

Results

The SCS-SF showed acceptable internal consistency in both samples (α > 0.70, range = 0.74-0.79), high test-retest reliability over 6-months in the pain sample (r = 0.81, p < .001) and sub-threshold over 12-months in the community (r = 0.59 p < .001). EFA revealed a two-factor model distinguishing compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding in both samples. CFA identified a one-factor and two-factor model in both samples, but it did not meet statistical thresholds. ESEM identified the best fit for the chronic pain group was for a two-factor model (RMSEA and SRMR < 0.08; CFI and TLI > 0.90), whereas no models met acceptable fit criteria in the community group. A two-bifactor Bayesian model had suitable fit in both groups. In the chronic pain sample, SCS-SF and compassionate self-responding negatively predicted pain intensity, interference, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing and positively predicted self-efficacy over 6-months. Uncompassionate self-responding positively predicted anxiety, depression, catastrophizing and negatively predicted self-efficacy but did not predict pain outcomes.

Discussion

The SCS-SF is a reliable and valid measure in chronic pain. Total and sub-factor scores appear to have distinct relationships with pain outcomes. Future research should consider self-compassion as a unitary and/or bifactorial (consisting of compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding) construct in chronic pain when measured using the SCS-SF.

Diagnostic validation of the 00325 Inadequate Self-Compassion

BACKGROUND

Self-compassion is an essential component of self-care. Recognizing it as a nursing diagnosis can promote interventions to address Inadequate Self-Compassion.

AIM

This study aims to clinically validate the new NANDA-I diagnosis (00325) Inadequate Self-Compassion.

METHODOLOGY

A mixed-methods study was conducted, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. A descriptive, cross-sectional, and prospective study was planned.

PARTICIPANTS

We used the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) to identify individuals with Inadequate Self-Compassion among nursing students. Subsequently, we conducted a group interview with these individuals, stratified by academic year of the nursing degree.

RESULTS

The group interview followed the structure of the new NANDA-I diagnosis, with diagnostic items serving as variables for analyzing qualitative data. The study revealed that nursing students commonly experience Inadequate Self-Compassion. Group interviews with participants who reported low self-compassion validated the diagnostic items of the new Inadequate Self-Compassion diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

The study validates the new NANDA-I diagnosis of 00325 Inadequate Self-Compassion clinically.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The present study raises the level of diagnostic evidence from level 2.1. Conceptual validity to level 2.3.1a. Qualitative validity, increasing the strength of the evidence for diagnostic validity.

Gaslighting Experience, Psychological Health, and Well-being: The Role of Self-Compassion and Social Support

Gaslighting is an understudied form of psychological violence aimed to reduce victims' autonomy, decision-making ability, security, and belief in their own perceptions. Although it leads to negative psychological, relational, and health consequences, few studies have examined the protective variables of this form of violence. The present study aims to analyze the role of self-compassion and social support (from family, friends, and significant others) in predicting gaslighting experiences, psychological health, and eudaimonic well-being among young Italian women. The mediational role of the gaslighting experience was examined. Participants (251 women, mean age = 38.72) completed an online survey assessing the variables of interest. Path analysis showed that participants' self-compassion and perceived social support from family and significant others (but not one from friends) were negatively and significantly associated with gaslighting experience. Gaslighting experience emerged as a significant and negative predictor of both psychological health and eudaimonic well-being. Gaslighting experience partially mediated the relationship among self-compassion and both psychological health and eudaimonic well-being, and totally mediated the association among perceived social support (from family and from significant others) and both psychological health and eudaimonic well-being. This is one of the few studies that allowed to identify the important role of some interpersonal (i.e., social support) and intrapersonal (i.e., self-compassion) factors in predicting gaslighting experience. Our findings could be useful in designing preventive programs aimed to increase women's abilities to cope with the potential manipulative intentions of their partner with positive consequences on their health and well-being.

Longitudinal associations between capacity to be alone, life satisfaction, self-compassion, anxiety, and depression among Chinese college students

Although the world has entered the post-pandemic period, the mental health and life satisfaction of college students still need to be addressed. However, previous literature has primarily focused on negative variables and has paid little attention to positive variables, such as self-compassion and the capacity to be alone. Therefore, this longitudinal study aims to investigate the relationships between the capacity to be alone, self-compassion, life satisfaction, depression, and anxiety among college students. This study analyzed data from 1460 Chinese college students who completed an online survey at two time-points one year apart. We employed cross-lagged analysis and constructed longitudinal mediation models to explore the relationships between five variables (i.e., capacity to be alone, self-compassion, life satisfaction, depression, and anxiety). Our findings indicate that depression and life satisfaction could negatively predict each other over time. Self-compassion in wave 1 could negatively predict depression and anxiety in wave 2. Higher life satisfaction in wave 1 was associated with a lower capacity to be alone in wave 2. We also found reciprocal positive predictive relationships between depression and anxiety, and life satisfaction and self-compassion. Life satisfaction mediated the relationship between self-compassion and psychopathological variables (i.e., depression and anxiety). Additionally, self-compassion mediated the association between life satisfaction and psychopathological variables and the association between capacity to be alone and psychopathological variables. Our study highlights the significance of early identification and intervention in depression and anxiety. We also discovered the possible self-soothing function of self-compassion as well as the importance of fostering positive personal characteristics.

Self-compassion defuses the aggression triggered by social exclusion

Social exclusion is a pervasive phenomenon that can have profound psychological consequences, including increased aggression. Self-compassion can promote psychological resilience, which helps individuals cope with challenges and may help mitigate the aggression triggered by social exclusion. This study aims to explore the relationship between self-compassion and aggression in the context of social exclusion from both state and trait perspectives. First, a cross-sectional study (Study 1) was conducted; the findings revealed that social exclusion is associated with higher levels of aggression, while self-compassion is linked to lower levels of social exclusion and aggression. Further division of self-compassion into its constituent components (self-kindness, mindfulness, and common humanity) revealed additional insights into the specific roles played by these factors. Self-kindness and mindfulness were found to moderate the relationship between social exclusion and aggression, while common humanity was observed to mediate this relationship. To determine the causal relationships among variables in further detail, an experimental study (Study 2) was designed. This study utilized a recall writing task to induce feelings of social exclusion and employed self-compassion writing tasks to elicit self-compassionate responses from participants. The results of this experiment indicated that self-compassion can significantly reduce the aggression triggered by social exclusion, thus suggesting that self-compassion may help alleviate the distress caused by individuals' experiences of social exclusion. The findings of this research have important implications for the development of clinical interventions aimed at reducing the adverse effects of social exclusion.

Be kind, don't rewind: trait rumination may hinder the effects of self-compassion on health behavioral intentions after a body image threat

Many individuals encounter situations that may elicit body-related concerns and impact how they think and feel about their weight, daily habits, and physical attractiveness. Research shows body image threats can predict poor health behaviors, but approaching those difficult moments with self-compassion-being kind, forgiving, and nonjudgmental-may reduce the impact of that threat and promote engagement in positive health behaviors. However, trait rumination, or tending to perseverate on negative events, may both dampen the benefits of a self-compassionate state and predict poor health behaviors. The present study examined whether a brief self-compassion writing exercise, after recalling a negative body-related event, predicted intent to perform health-promoting behaviors, and whether trait rumination attenuated this relationship. Participants (N = 217) completed a measure of trait rumination, underwent a body image threat, and were randomly assigned to cope with self-compassion or a distraction. Subsequently, participants completed a measure of health behavioral intentions. Analyses revealed participants in the self-compassion condition reported greater health-promoting behavioral intentions compared to control, with no significant main effect of trait rumination. However, a condition-by-rumination interaction emerged, suggesting the self-compassion condition was associated with higher health behavioral intentions, but only for participants with low trait rumination levels. These effects washed out when controlling for participants' self-rated health. The findings suggest that a self-compassion practice can help mitigate the adverse effects of a body image threat and facilitate health-promoting behavioral intentions, although its efficacy may depend on individual levels of trait rumination and perceived health.

Mindfulness, social evaluation anxiety, and self-regulation: exploring their association on impulsive behavior among athletes

Introduction

Athletes, due to frequent physical interactions in competitive sports, are prone to impulsive behavior. Impulsive behavior is a prevalent psychological factor in sports, often leading to performance-affecting errors. This cross-sectional survey investigated the relationship between mindfulness and athletes' impulsive behavior.

Methods

We sampled 403 athletes from youth training centers, universities, sports academies, and clubs in China using convenience and snowball sampling. Using AMOS v23, we analyzed the data with a structural equation model.

Results

Our structural equation model confirmed that mindfulness and self-regulation inversely correlate with impulsive behavior, while social evaluation anxiety positively correlates with impulsive behavior. Furthermore, self-regulation and social evaluation anxiety serve as intermediaries in the link between mindfulness and impulsive behavior.

Discussions

This research suggests introducing mindfulness meditation practices in competitive settings to improve athletes' social evaluation anxiety and enhance their self-regulation abilities, thereby boosting their psychological health and curbing impulsive behavior.

Self-Compassion and Self-Forgiveness in Alcohol Risk, Treatment and Recovery: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Self-compassion and self-forgiveness are two self-focused, positive coping approaches that may reduce risk of problem drinking and/or aid in treatment/recovery from alcohol use disorder. The present systematic review aimed to evaluate support for the unique and complementary roles of self-compassion and self-forgiveness in alcohol outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic literature search yielded 18 studies examining self-compassion, 18 studies examining self-forgiveness and 1 study examining both constructs in alcohol outcomes.

RESULTS

Findings suggest greater self-compassion and self-forgiveness relate to lower likelihood of problem drinking. Self-forgiveness was considerably more researched in treatment/recovery outcomes than self-compassion; self-forgiveness-based interventions appear able to improve drinking-adjacent outcomes, and self-forgiveness may increase across various alcohol treatments. Finally, research suggests that associations of self-compassion and/or self-forgiveness with alcohol outcomes could be driven by numerous factors, including coping-motivated drinking, depression, psychache, social support perceptions, mental health status and/or psychiatric distress.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-compassion and self-forgiveness both appear protective against harmful alcohol outcomes. Nevertheless, many questions remain about the role of self-forgiveness and, particularly, self-compassion in alcohol treatment and recovery outcomes. Future research should examine whether targeted interventions and/or adjunctive therapeutic supports designed to increase self-compassion or self-forgiveness can reduce alcohol use disorder symptoms to facilitate alcohol treatment and recovery success.

Self-compassionate reflective writing for affect regulation in Australian perinatal women

The current study investigated the effect of a brief online self-compassionate reflective writing task on affect regulation in a sample of Australian perinatal women. Participants were 55 women (Mage = 35.47, SD = 3.79) who were pregnant (16.4%) and/or had an infant <24 months old (76.4%). State self-compassion, positive and negative affect, and future help-seeking behavior intentions were compared at pre- and post-intervention while controlling for trait self-compassion. Inductive thematic analysis was used to extract themes regarding why participants deemed the intervention helpful or unhelpful. As hypothesized, global state self-compassion and intention to engage in self-care behavior were higher, and negative affect was lower, immediately post-intervention relative to pre-intervention scores. Follow-up subscale analyses revealed that the mechanisms of the shift in state self-compassion scores were via reduced self-judgment and overidentification and increased common humanity. There was no significant change in positive affect or intention to engage in help-seeking behavior. Most participants (75%) indicated that the task was helpful with themes identified as written format, changed perspective, dedicating time to reflect, improved mood, and practicing self-kindness. Self-compassionate reflective writing may be a brief and accessible psychosocial approach with the potential to foster healthy emotion regulation and coping among perinatal women.

Self-compassion and health-related quality of life in individuals with endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

International research highlights the detrimental impact of endometriosis on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), yet few studies have examined positive resources such as self-compassion and resilience as correlates. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the relationship between self-compassion and HRQoL in individuals with endometriosis in Aotearoa New Zealand. Resilience and perceived symptom severity were examined as potential mediators.

METHODS AND MEASURES

Six hundred and three individuals with endometriosis completed an online questionnaire measuring demographic and endometriosis-related information, endometriosis symptoms (number and severity), HRQoL, self-compassion and resilience.

RESULTS

In line with international research, the current sample reported significant impairment in all aspects of HRQoL. As expected, those with higher levels of self-compassion reported less impairment in HRQoL, and this relationship was partially mediated by perceived symptom severity (all aspects of HRQoL). Resilience mediated the relationship between self-compassion and two aspects of HRQoL (emotional wellbeing and control/powerlessness).

CONCLUSION

These findings confirm that HRQoL is significantly impaired in individuals with endometriosis in Aotearoa New Zealand and point to the potential role of self-compassion and resilience as protective factors in encouraging positive coping styles to manage symptoms and maintain high HRQoL. Interventions targeting self-compassion may be a promising tool to improve wellbeing in individuals with endometriosis.

A meta-analysis of disordered eating and its association with self-criticism and self-compassion

OBJECTIVE

Future treatments for eating disorders (ED) need to be enhanced by targeting maintaining mechanisms. Literature suggests self-criticism and self-critical perfectionism act as key mechanisms exacerbating ED, and self-compassion protects against self-criticism. This meta-analysis examines associations between self-criticism and self-critical perfectionism on disordered eating (DE), and reviews how self-compassion and self-criticism relate to each other with respect to DE.

METHOD

Searches across three databases yielded 135 studies across 42,952 participants. Heterogeneity, publication bias, and quality assessments were analyzed. Moderation analyses between self-criticism measures, self-compassion measures, between clinical and nonclinical samples, and between cross-sectional and experimental studies were also conducted.

RESULTS

Random-effects models showed a medium positive link between self-criticism and DE (r = .37), and 10 subgroups pertaining to various measures of self-criticism utilized in literature showed small to large positive links with DE (r = .20-.52). Preliminary evidence also suggests negative relationships between self-compassion and DE (r = -.40 to -.43) and negative relationships between self-compassion and self-criticism (r = -.04 to -.88).

DISCUSSION

Greater levels of self-criticism is linked with greater levels of DE and reduced levels of self-compassion, suggesting a need to tackle self-criticism and nurture self-compassion in standard treatments for ED. Understanding these interactions better in conjunction with dismantling intervention studies can help develop more effective and efficient interventions targeting self-criticism and self-compassion for people with DE.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Higher levels of self-criticism are linked with higher levels of DE and lower self-compassion. Self-compassion interventions could be more effective and efficient in reducing ED symptoms if self-criticism is tackled early in such treatments.

Successes and Challenges From a Motivational Interviewing-Informed Diabetes Prevention Program Situated in the Community

To manage the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, sustainable diabetes prevention programs are needed. In this study, a process evaluation was conducted to qualitatively understand perceived successes and challenges of a diabetes prevention program situated in the community. This study took place in the first year of a multiyear project. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a sample of women clients (n = 14) postprogram and trainers (n = 10) 9 months into program implementation. Interviews were audio-recoded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a Template Approach. Data were first analyzed deductively into two categories that aligned with the study's purpose (successes and challenges). Second, an inductive analysis was used to understand program delivery processes within each category. Clients and trainers expressed (a) program successes related to recruitment strategy, outlook on making behavior changes, and communication style used within the program and (b) program challenges surrounding effort of learning and applying the communication strategy, usefulness of program applications and tools, and program fit. This evaluation provides practical implications and future directions for diabetes prevention programs, and has informed tailoring and expansion of the program of focus. Results demonstrate the success of motivational interviewing from both client and trainer perspectives and the impact of community partnerships to increase prediabetes awareness in the community. Overall, the program's diabetes prevention and behavior change strategies coupled with a client-centered approach facilitated women clients in making diet and exercise modifications.

Finding kindness: A randomized controlled trial of an online self-compassion intervention for weight management (SC4WM)

INTRODUCTION

Weight loss is hard to achieve and even harder to maintain. Engaging in effortful behavioural change to manage body weight can sometimes result in feelings of guilt and shame. Self-compassion, the tendency to find kindness for oneself in times of struggle, may facilitate coping with the unique challenges of weight management. This study assessed whether a remotely delivered self-compassion intervention improved weight management outcomes when delivered as a supplement to an existing digital behavioural weight management programme, Weight Watchers (WW).

METHOD

Using a mixed-method study design, 249 adults seeking to manage weight were randomized to either the WW programme or WW supplemented with the self-compassion for weight management intervention (SC4WM). Participants completed measures of self-compassion, eating behaviour, physical activity, body weight and emotional well-being along with potential moderators, including weight self-stigma, eating restraint, psychological coping and perceived stress at baseline, post-intervention (4 weeks) and follow-up (12 weeks).

RESULTS

There was no evidence that the SC4WM intervention had a significantly different effect than WW alone. Other than body weight, all outcomes improved over time in both groups. Self-compassion was slightly higher overall in the SC4WM group (p = .05), with this group reporting higher self-kindness at 4 weeks (p = .014) and lower self-judgement at 12 weeks (p = .023) compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the SC4WM intervention group did show a small increase in self-kindness and reduction in self-judgement, weight management outcomes were not improved over and above the existing WW programme. Recommendations for adapting the SC4WM intervention to improve efficacy to augment weight management outcomes are provided.

When the night is too short. Bedtime procrastination, self-compassion, and sleep in a daily diary study

OBJECTIVE

Since sleep is an important part of life and too little sleep can lead to disastrous consequences, it is important to look at the factors that may disturb healthy sleep. While procrastination and in particular bedtime procrastination is such a disruptive factor, self-compassion on the other side might be a protective factor.

METHODS

For this reason, in this study, we took a closer look at the interplay between bedtime procrastination, self-compassion, as well as at the actual sleep outcomes in a longitudinal diary study over 1 week. Our assumption was that bedtime procrastination has a negative impact on sleep outcomes, yet self-compassion could be a protective factor buffering this influence. To enable comparability with a previous study, analyses of variance were carried out.

RESULTS

Utilizing frequentist and Bayesian analyses, we found a consistent negative influence of bedtime procrastination and a positive influence of self-compassion on almost all sleep outcomes. While self-compassion did not entirely mitigate the effect of bedtime procrastination on sleep, its positive impact on sleep outcomes was evident.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the significance of self-compassion and procrastination in relation to actual sleep behaviour, adding to the existing body of literature on sleep research.

Self-compassion and pain disability in adults with chronic pain: The mediating role of future self-identification and self-efficacy

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

Athletes' self-compassion and emotional resilience to failure: the mediating role of vagal reactivity

Whether athletes' self-compassion predicts their emotional resilience to failure has yet to be empirically tested. Moreover, as an important physiological process of stress regulation, vagal reactivity is a plausible physiological mechanism for this relationship. Through a laboratory-based observational study of 90 college athletes, this research explores the influence of athletes' trait self-compassion on their emotional resilience when recalling failure, and examines whether vagal reactivity plays a mediating role. The results show that self-compassion did not significantly predict athletes' positive emotions but did significantly predict better recovery from negative emotions after recalling failure events. Furthermore, vagal reactivity was a significant mediator between self-compassion and recovery from negative emotions.

The Temporal Relationship between Depressive Symptoms and Loneliness: The Moderating Role of Self-Compassion

Loneliness and depression are significant mental health challenges among college students; however, the intricate relationship between these phenomena remains unclear, particularly in the context of self-compassion. In this comprehensive study, we employ a cross-lagged panel network (CLPN) analysis to investigate the symptom-level association between depression and loneliness while exploring the potential moderating influence of self-compassion. Our sample consisted of 2785 college students, who were categorized into high- and low-self-compassion groups based on scores from the Self-Compassion Scale. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, while the UCLA Loneliness Scale-8 measured loneliness expressions. Our findings indicate that self-compassion plays a crucial role in the relationship between depression and loneliness. Specifically, we observed distinctive patterns within the high and low-self-compassion groups. In the low-self-compassion group, "energy" emerged as the most influential symptom, whereas "motor function" exhibited the highest influence in the high-self-compassion group. Furthermore, among individuals with high self-compassion, the pathway from depression to loneliness was characterized by "guilt-being alone when desired," while the reverse path from loneliness to depression encompassed "left out-feeling sad" and "left out-anhedonia." Conversely, in the low-self-compassion group, depression and loneliness demonstrated a more intricate mutual triggering relationship, suggesting that self-compassion effectively moderates the association between these variables. This study provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms driving the interplay between depression and loneliness, shedding light on the pivotal role of self-compassion in this intricate dynamic.

The Effect of Intolerance of Uncertainty on State Anxiety in the Regular Epidemic Prevention and Control Phase in the Context of Informatization: A Moderated Chain Mediation Model

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a generally high level of state anxiety resulting from the high contagiousness of the disease and strict prevention and control policies. The present study mainly focused on the relationship between the individual intolerance of uncertainty and state anxiety in the regular epidemic prevention and control phase in China, and aimed to investigate the mediating role of information overload and rumination, as well as the moderating role of self-compassion. A total of 992 Chinese residents from 31 provinces participated in this study, and completed questionnaires regarding intolerance of uncertainty, information overload, self-compassion, rumination, and state anxiety. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses, as well as tests for mediating effects and moderated chain mediating effects, were performed on the data using SPSS 26.0 and Process 3.5 macro program. The findings indicated that intolerance of uncertainty significantly predicted individual state anxiety. Information overload mediates the effects of intolerance of uncertainty and state anxiety. Rumination also mediates the effect of uncertainty intolerance on state anxiety. Information overload and rumination have a chain mediation effect on the link between intolerance of uncertainty and state anxiety. Self-compassion mediates the effect of information overload on rumination. The results illuminate theoretical and practical implications in the regular epidemic prevention and control phases and reveal the protective role of self-compassion.

Paediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease and parental mental health: Prevalence and predictors

OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to estimate the prevalence of common mental health difficulties in parents who have an infant with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD), and to identify psychological predictors of parental anxiety, depression, and well-being, as a platform for subsequent intervention development.

METHODS

Parents of infants with GORD (N = 309) completed online psychometric measures of potential predictors (self-compassion, illness appraisals, and illness uncertainty), potential confounders (sleep quality, relationship satisfaction, social support, and infant feeding satisfaction), and mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, and wellbeing). The outcome measures were repeated eight-weeks later (N = 103).

RESULTS

At the first time-point, 66% of participants exceed the clinical cut off for generalised anxiety disorder and 63% exceeded that for a depressive disorder. Both had significantly reduced eights-weeks later. Greater self-compassion predicted lower anxiety and depression, and better well-being, in both cross-sectional and longitudinal data, including when all confounders were controlled for. Illness uncertainty and illness appraisals were less consistent predictors. No robust differences were found between parents of infants with silent GORD and those with GORD with visible regurgitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents of infants with GORD showed high rates of anxiety and depression, which were elevated compared to those that have been found in perinatal and general population samples. Self-compassion was a consistent predictor of better mental health and has promise as a proximal intervention target. Future research could benefit from examining the efficacy of a compassion-focussed intervention in this population.

Self-Compassion, Performance, and Burnout: Surfacing an Unknown Work Construct

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

Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Dentin Hypersensitivity in Periodontally Compromised Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment: A Randomised Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on dentin hypersensitivity (DH) in periodontally compromised patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

METHODS

This triple-blinded randomised controlled trial included 143 teeth with DH from 23 periodontally compromised patients. Teeth on one side of the dental arch were randomly assigned to the LLLT group (LG), while those on the contralateral side were allocated to the non-LLLT group (NG). After orthodontic treatment commenced, patients' orthodontic pain (OP) perceptions were documented in pain diaries. DH was assessed chairside by a visual analogue scale (VASDH) at fifteen timepoints across the orthodontic treatment and retention. VASDH scores were compared among timepoints by the Friedman test, among patients with varying OP perceptions using the Kruskal-Wallis tests, and between the LG and NG with the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

DH generally decreased over the observation (p < 0.001). The VASDH scores differed among patients with varying OP perceptions at multiple timepoints (p < 0.05). The generalized estimating equation model showed teeth in the LG had a significantly lower VASDH score than the NG at the 3rd month of treatment (p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

LLLT could be potentially beneficial in managing DH in periodontally compromised patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Stigma, self-compassion, and psychological distress among people with Parkinson's

PURPOSE

People with Parkinson's disease (hereafter Parkinson's) can experience stigma through the attitudes and actions of others (enacted stigma) and through anticipation of enacted stigma and internalisation of negative stereotypes (felt stigma). Self-compassion may protect against the impact of stigma. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between self-compassion, stigma, and psychological distress among people with Parkinson's.

METHODS

A total of 130 people with Parkinson's completed questionnaires measuring self-compassion, enacted and felt stigma, and depression, anxiety, and stress. Correlation, mediation, and moderation models were used to investigate relationships between variables.

RESULTS

All variables correlated significantly in the expected directions. Felt stigma mediated the relationship between self-compassion and the three outcome variables - depression, anxiety, and stress. Self-compassion did not moderate the relationship between enacted stigma and distress and suggested enacted stigma was associated with distress, regardless of levels of self-compassion.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-compassion and both enacted and felt stigma are important predictors of distress for people with Parkinson's. Part of the relationship between lower self-compassion and psychological distress appears to occur via the internalisation of stigma. These findings may be relevant to the development of individualised and societal interventions with the aim of improving the psychological wellbeing of people with Parkinson's.Implications for rehabilitationSelf-compassion was associated with lower levels of psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress) and self-stigma partially mediated this relationship.Self-compassion did not moderate the relationship between enacted stigma and psychological distress, suggesting enacted stigma increases distress, regardless of self-compassion.The development and assessment of the effectiveness of compassion-focused interventions tailored for people with Parkinson's may be important as well as systemic stigma focused interventions.

Self-Compassion and Physical Activity: The Underpinning Role of Psychological Distress and Barrier Self-Efficacy

Unlike other personality traits or dispositions, self-compassion can be nurtured and is likely a driving source for physical activity. Emerging research has started to examine self-compassion in physical activity contexts; however, most existing studies were underpowered and overlooked the psycho-behavioural factors underlying the link between self-compassion and physical activity. In a sample of 569 UK adults (mean age = 41.92 years, SD = 13.70; 47.8% female), we examined the hypothesis that self-compassion's positive influence on physical activity operates through reduced psychological distress and subsequently increased barrier self-efficacy. Results supported the prediction, with the positive influences of self-compassion being more prominent in more vigorous physical activity. The findings suggest that self-compassion is a good source of emotional resources (i.e., attenuated psychological distress) and confidence to overcome challenges and obstacles (i.e., increased barrier self-efficacy) in the context of physical activity. Future interventions and programs could consider incorporating self-compassion for physical activity adoption and maintenance.

Self-compassion and depression in Chinese undergraduates with left-behind experience: Mediation by emotion regulation and resilience

OBJECTIVES

The protective role of self-compassion in emerging adult depression has garnered empirical support. It makes more sense to understand the psychological processes underlying this relationship. Based on the stress appraisal patterns, the present study examined the mediating roles of emotion regulation (ER) and resilience in the link between self-compassion and depression among college students with left-behind experience (LBE).

METHODS

A total of 391 LBE college students (M_age  = 18.43 years; SD = 0.79 years) in Chongqing reported their demographic information and self-compassion (the Self-Compassion Scale) level at baseline (T1) and reported their levels of ER (the Emotion Regulation Scale), resilience (the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), and depression (the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale) 3 months later (T2).

RESULTS

The results revealed that (a) both ER (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) and resilience separately mediated the association between self-compassion and depression; (b) cognitive reappraisal and resilience sequentially mediated this association.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings reveal the underlying mechanisms of the associations between self-compassion and depression among LBE college students and have implications for interventions aimed at mitigating their depression.

Interconnections between Emotion Recognition, Self-Processes and Psychological Well-Being in Adolescents

Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental period for mentalization and emotion regulation skills. Studies show that during this time, adolescents may experience greater vulnerability to challenges of mental and emotional well-being. Studies also show that self-skills, such as mentalization, self-compassion, and self-control are independently associated with feelings of global self-worth or psychological well-being. To date, no known studies have explored interconnected relations among these self-skills, despite significant overlaps in the social-biological development of these skills. Aims: To investigate interconnected relations among psychological well-being, mentalization, self-compassion and self-control. Gender differences in these relations are explored. Method: As part of a larger, longitudinal study of adolescent well-being, this cross-sectional study drew on a variety of self-report measures, investigating relations among adolescents’ self-reports of psychological well-being, emotion recognition, self-control, and self-compassion. Participants consisted of 88 girls and 57 boys, mean age 13.38. Results: Main results showed associations among emotion recognition, self-control and self-compassion and feelings of global self-worth. Specifically, results showed that understanding negative emotions in others relates to lower levels of self-compassion and feelings of self-worth. Further, adolescents who report low levels of self-control reported uncompassionate self-responding and lower levels of self-worth. Gender differences and implications for further research and adolescent social-emotional interventions are discussed.

Self-compassion, sleep quality and psychological well-being in type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Low self-compassion and poor sleep quality have been identified as potential key predictors of distress in type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study investigated relationships between sleep behaviors (sleep duration, social jetlag and daytime sleepiness), diabetes-related distress (DRD) and self-compassion in people with T2D.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study used data from 467 people with T2D derived from self-report questionnaires, accelerometer-assessed sleep measures and demographic information (clinicaltrials.gov registration: NCT02973412). All participants had a diagnosis of T2D and no comorbid sleep disorder (excluding obstructive sleep apnea). Hierarchical multiple regression and mediation analysis were used to quantify relationships between self-compassion, sleep variables and DRD.

RESULTS

Significant predictors of DRD included two negative subscales of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and daytime sleepiness. The 'overidentified' and 'isolation' SCS subscales were particularly important in predicting distress. Daytime sleepiness also partially mediated the influence of self-compassion on DRD, potentially through self-care around sleep.

CONCLUSIONS

Daytime sleepiness and negative self-compassion have clear associations with DRD for people with T2D. The specific negative subscale outcomes suggest that strengthening individuals' ability to mindfully notice thoughts and experiences without becoming enmeshed in them, and reducing a sense of separateness and difference, might be key therapeutic targets for improving well-being in T2D. Psychological interventions should include approaches focused on reducing negative self-compassion and improving sleep behavior. Equally, reducing DRD may carry beneficial outcomes for sleep and self-compassion. Further work is however crucial to establish causation and long-term impact, and for development of relevant clinical resources.

Self-compassion and Shame Among Rape Survivors

Women are at increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression associated with rape, and shame plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of PTSD and depression. Thus, there is a need to identify factors that may decrease shame among female survivors of adult rape. Self-compassion may be one such factor. The present study used path analysis in MPlus version 7.3 to examine the indirect effect of self-compassion on PTSD and depression via rape-related shame. We hypothesized that higher levels of self-compassion would be associated with lower levels of rape-related shame, which in turn would be associated with lower levels of PTSD and depression. College women (N = 305) who reported experiencing rape completed anonymous online surveys assessing rape, self-compassion, rape-related shame, PTSD, and depression. Consistent with our hypothesis, results indicated that self-compassion was negatively associated with assault-related shame, which in turn was positively associated with PTSD and depression. There was also a significant indirect effect of self-compassion on PTSD and depression via rape-related shame. Further, rape-related shame fully explained the relation between self-compassion and PTSD. Findings suggest that self-compassion may be an appropriate target to reduce rape-related shame and may subsequently facilitate reductions in PTSD and depression symptoms.

Is a female physical empowerment campaign effective in improving positive body image, motivation for physical activity, and physical activity behavior in young female adults? A two-study experimental test of "This Girl Can"

This Girl Can is a campaign designed to empower women to increase physical activity. The campaign uses images/videos of women of diverse body weights/shapes, ages and ethnicities being physically active, emphasizing body functionality. First, we examined the effects of multi-session (N = 3) exposures to This Girl Can on body functionality, body appreciation and self-compassion (Study 1). Second, we explored if autonomous motivation for physical activity mediated effects of This Girl Can on physical activity (Study 2). Women (Study 1: N = 186, M (SD) age = 27.55 (14.01); Study 2: N = 153, M (SD) age = 28.31 (11.70)) were randomized to This Girl Can, or control videos/images depicting idealized women of thin/athletic body types being physically active (Study 1), or control videos highlighting physical activity benefits (Study 2). Outcomes were measured at baseline, post-test and 1-week follow-up. Study 1 results showed significant group by time interactions for body functionality (decreasing in the control group), body appreciation and self-compassion (both increased only in the experimental conditions). In Study 2, path analysis revealed no statistically significant mediation effect (ab = 13.18, 95 % CI [-107.92, 152.59]) of autonomous motivation. Future interventions designed to promote positive body image and self-compassion should incorporate media focusing on diverse women engaging in self-chosen physical activity.

Trait Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, and Self-Talk: A Correlational Analysis of Young Adults

This research explores the relationships between trait mindfulness, self-compassion, self-talk frequency, and experience with mindful practice. We expected to find that positive self-talk would be positively related to mindfulness and self-compassion, and negative self-talk would be negatively related to these variables. Participants (N = 342) were recruited through a university research pool, as well as via social media posting. The participants completed two measures of trait mindfulness (the 15-item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire and the Trait Toronto Mindfulness Scale), two measures of self-talk (the Self-Talk Scale and the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire—Revised), and the Self-Compassion Scale short form. The results showed moderate positive correlations between (1) positive self-talk and trait mindfulness and (2) positive self-talk and self-compassion. A significant negative correlation also emerged between negative self-talk and trait mindfulness. Additional analyses indicated no moderating effects of mindfulness experience on self-talk or self-compassion in predicting trait mindfulness. We discuss implications for the significance of the relationship between self-talk and mindfulness for the effective implementation in future treatment methodologies.

Self-compassion and its barriers: predicting outcomes from inpatient and residential eating disorders treatment

BACKGROUND

Individuals with eating disorders (EDs) experience barriers to self-compassion, with two recently identified in this population: Meeting Standards, or concerns that self-compassion would result in showing flaws or lead to loss of achievements or relationships, and Emotional Vulnerability, or concerns that self-compassion would elicit difficult emotions such as grief or anger. This exploratory study examined the utility of self-compassion and two barriers to self-compassion in predicting clinical outcomes in intensive ED treatments.

METHOD

Individuals in inpatient (n = 87) and residential (n = 68) treatment completed measures of self-compassion and fears of self-compassion, and ten clinical outcome variables at pre- and post-treatment.

RESULTS

Pre-treatment self-compassion was generally not associated with outcomes, whereas pre-treatment self-compassion barriers generally were. In both treatment settings, fewer Emotional Vulnerability barriers were associated with improved interpersonal/affective functioning and quality of life, and fewer Meeting Standards barriers were associated with improved readiness and motivation. Interestingly, whereas Meeting Standards barriers were associated with less ED symptom improvement in inpatient treatment, Emotional Vulnerability barriers were associated with less ED symptom improvement in residential treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Given that few longitudinal predictors of outcome have been established, the finding that pre-treatment barriers to self-compassion predict outcomes in both inpatient and residential settings is noteworthy. Targeting self-compassion barriers early in treatment may be helpful in facilitating ED recovery.

Compassionate Discourses: A Qualitative Study Exploring How Compassion Can Transform Healthcare for 2SLGBTQ+ People

Compassion can be seen as a necessary, but often lacking, concept and practice in healthcare. Due to the cis-heteronormative nature of societies, people who identify as Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (2SLGBTQ+) often experience health disparities and disparities in accessing compassionate healthcare. We aimed to explore the meanings of compassion in healthcare for Canadian 2SLGBTQ+ people. Using a poststructuralist framework, 20 self-identifying 2SLGBTQ+ participants were interviewed. Data was analyzed through discourse analysis. Three main discursive considerations are discussed, including (1) meanings and expectations of compassion in healthcare, (2) compassionate healthcare is not guaranteed, and (3) prescription for care: self-compassion for healing and health. The results provide insights into how compassionate healthcare is framed for 2SLGBTQ+ participants and how compassion is often lacking for them due to discourses of cis-heteronormativity and healthism.

Being yourself for the ‘greater good’: An empirical investigation of the moderation effect of authenticity between self-compassion and compassion for others

Self-compassion offers profound benefits to well-being and healthy psychological functioning. Surprisingly however, the relationship assumed between compassion for self and others has been questioned by recent research findings and is at best inconsistently correlated. The aim of this study is to throw further light on this debate by testing whether the association between self-compassion and compassion for others is moderated by authenticity amongst 530 participants who completed the Authenticity Scale, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Compassion Scale. The results show that authenticity has a moderation effect on the association between self-compassion and the kindness, common humanity, mindfulness, and indifference subscales of the Compassion Scale. These results offer some initial insight into understanding the association between compassion for self and others and establish a case for researching the role of authenticity more thoroughly. The findings of this investigation call for further empirical attention to socially constructive aspects of authenticity and the development of new authenticity measurements that may better assess the interaction effect.

Path to practising self-compassion in a tertiary eating disorders treatment program: A qualitative analysis

OBJECTIVE

Although self-compassion has been shown to facilitate eating disorder (ED) remission, significant barriers to acquiring this skill have been identified. This is particularly true for tertiary care populations, where ED behaviours provide a valued identity and readiness issues are highly salient. In this research, the voices and perspectives of patients who have recovered as well as those in later stages of tertiary care treatment were captured using qualitative methods.

METHODS

Seventeen individuals with a lengthy ED history (seven fully recovered, 10 currently in recovery-focused residential treatment) participated in audio recorded interviews. Using a visual timeline, participants described the development of their understanding of self-compassion, barriers to self-compassion and how these barriers were overcome.

RESULTS

Three processes were identified, reflecting different levels of readiness. Challenging my beliefs involved overcoming cognitive barriers to the concept of self-compassion (i.e. coming to see self-compassion as helpful), and set the stage for dealing with the world around me and rolling up my sleeves, which reflected preparatory (i.e. freeing oneself from difficult life circumstances) and active (i.e. having the courage to do the work) change efforts, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings may help patients embarking on tertiary care treatment to envision a roadmap of supportive processes and help clinicians tailor interventions to patient level of readiness for self-compassion.

Associations between clinicians' emotion regulation, treatment recommendations, and patient suicidal ideation

OBJECTIVE

This study examines how clinicians' emotional responses to suicidal patients and their emotion regulation abilities are related to their treatment recommendations for these patients and to patients' concurrent suicidal ideation and at one-month follow-up.

METHODS

Adult psychiatric outpatients (N = 361) and the mental health professionals evaluating them for treatment (N = 43) completed self-report assessments following their first clinical meeting. Clinician emotion regulation traits, emotional responses to individual patients, and the recommended intensity of treatment were assessed. Patients were assessed for suicidal ideation immediately following the initial meeting and at a one-month follow-up. Moderation and mediation analyses were performed to examine the relationships between study variables.

RESULTS

Patient suicidal ideation at the initial clinical encounter was associated with increased negative emotions in clinicians with lower emotion regulation. Further, recommended treatment intensity was associated with clinicians' negative emotional responses but not with patient suicidal ideation among clinicians with lower emotion regulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment intensification is related to clinicians' emotion regulation abilities. Clinicians' attention to their emotional responses may facilitate improved treatment process and ultimately may improve suicidal outcomes.

Self-compassion and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity during sad self-face recognition in depressed adolescents

BACKGROUND

Given the prevalence of adolescent depression and the modest effects of current treatments, research ought to inform development of effective intervention strategies. Self-compassion is inversely associated with depression, and self-compassion interventions have demonstrated promising effects on reducing depression. However, little is known about the neural mechanisms underlying that relationship. Maladaptive self-processing is a characteristic of depression that contributes to the onset and chronicity of depression. Because our own face is an automatic and direct cue for self-processing, this study investigated whether self-compassion was associated with neural responses during sad v. neutral self-face recognition and explore their relationship with depression severity in depressed adolescents and healthy controls (HCs).

METHODS

During functional magnetic resonance imaging, 81 depressed youth and 37 HCs were instructed to identify whether morphed self or other faces with sad, happy, or neutral expressions resembled their own.

RESULTS

Self-compassion correlated negatively with activity during sad v. neutral self-face recognition in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex in the total sample, and in the right posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus in HCs, respectively. In depressed adolescents, higher self-compassion correlated with lower activity during sad v. neutral self-face recognition in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), implying that less cognitive effort might be needed to avoid dwelling on sad self-faces and/or regulate negative affect induced by them. Moreover, higher self-compassion mediated the relationship between lower DLPFC activity and reduced depression severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings imply that DLPFC activity might be a biological marker of a successful self-compassion intervention as potential treatment for adolescent depression.

Investigating the effect of an online self-compassion for weight management (SC4WM) intervention on self-compassion, eating behaviour, physical activity and body weight in adults seeking to manage weight: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Individual weight management, defined as engaging in behaviours to maintain or lose weight, can improve health and well-being. However, numerous factors influence weight management outcomes, such as genetics, biology, stress, the social and physical environment. Consequently, weight management can be hard. Self-compassion, described as treating oneself kindly in times of failure or distress, has shown promise in improving weight management outcomes. The objectives of this study are twofold: (1) to examine the efficacy of an online self-compassion for weight management (SC4WM) intervention coupled with an online commercial weight management programme (WW Weight Watchers reimagined) with increasing self-compassion and improving weight management outcomes (eating behaviour, physical activity and body weight) in comparison with the WW programme only and (2) to explore whether improvements in weight management outcomes are moderated by eating restraint, weight self-stigma, perceived stress and psychological coping.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

To achieve these objectives, 240 participants seeking to manage their weight were randomised to either an online behavioural commercial weight management programme (WW) or the online WW +SC4 WM intervention. Validated measures of self-compassion, stress, weight self-stigma, eating restraint, psychological coping and weight management outcomes were administered online at baseline, 4 weeks and at a 12-week follow-up.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics has been granted by the University of Auckland Health Research Ethics committee. Results will be communicated in peer-review journals, conferences and a doctoral thesis. If effective in increasing self-compassion and improving weight management outcomes, the intervention could be made more widely available to supplement behavioural weight management programmes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12621000580875; Pre-results.

Predictors of self-compassion in endometriosis: the role of psychological health and endometriosis symptom burden

STUDY QUESTION

What is the relationship between self-compassion, endometriosis-related symptoms and psychological health in women with symptomatic endometriosis?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Decreased self-compassion is associated with increased psychological distress, extended diagnostic delay and varies according to individual endometriosis-symptom profile.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Existing research indicates that endometriosis is associated with reduced psychological health and varied endometriosis-related symptom profiles. Examining the level of self-compassion reported by women with endometriosis is important as greater self-compassion has been found to improve psychological well-being in several chronic health populations.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This study utilized a cross-sectional survey design to explore the relationship between self-compassion, psychological health and endometriosis-related symptoms (n = 318).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Women with a self-reported diagnosis of endometriosis were recruited via online advertising through social media platforms. Demographic and endometriosis-specific information (e.g. disease stage, diagnostic delay, symptom experience) was collected in addition to psychological health and self-compassion. Psychological health was measured by the PROMIS Emotional Distress and Anxiety short forms and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15). Self-compassion was measured by the Self-Compassion Scale (26-item). Independent t-tests, bivariate correlations and linear regression analyses explored the relationship between specific endometriosis-related symptoms, psychological health and self-compassion.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Hierarchical multiple regression indicated that psychological symptoms accounted for the greatest variance in levels of self-compassion in the current sample. Depression and anxiety were found to be significant negative predictors of self-compassion. Notable symptoms that were significant in the final model were the presence of dysmenorrhea, lower back pain, dyspareunia, pain after sexual intercourse, fatigue and nausea.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The cross-sectional nature of the findings prevents direct findings of causality. The information pertaining to endometriosis was self-report in nature and was not medically verified.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

These preliminary findings indicate the importance of clinical interventions aimed at enhancing self-compassion and the importance of individual case conceptualization and treatment planning based on endometriosis-related symptomatic profiles.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

The study was not associated with research funding. Author L.V.N. is a member of the Endometriosis Australia Clinical Advisory Committee.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Caregivers' Self-Compassion and Bereaved Children's Adjustment: Testing Caregivers' Mental Health and Parenting as Mediators

Objectives

Self-compassion, which involves mindfulness, self-kindness, and common humanity, has been found to be related to individuals' mental health. Few studies have examined caregivers' self-compassion in relation to parenting behaviors and child adjustment in addition to its relation to their own mental health. In the current study we examined caregivers' self-compassion as a protective factor related to parentally bereaved children's internalizing and externalizing problems and further tested whether these relations were mediated by caregivers' mental health (complicated grief and psychological distress) and parenting.

Methods

The sample consisted of 74 caregivers (female = 78.4%) who participated in a larger study designed for bereaved families. At T1 (baseline) and T2 (20 weeks later), caregivers completed measures on demographic information, self-compassion, complicated grief, parental warmth, and consistent discipline, as well as child internalizing and externalizing problems.

Results

Findings supported that caregivers' self-compassion was prospectively related to decreased internalizing and externalizing problems in bereaved children. Mediation analyses showed that the effect of self-compassion on externalizing problems was mediated by parental warmth and by consistent discipline. In addition, caregivers' self-compassion was prospectively associated with decreased complicated grief and psychological distress of the caregiver.

Conclusions

These findings add to the knowledge on the benefits of self-compassion for bereaved families and suggest that caregivers' self-compassion intervention may be a leveraging point to protect both bereaved caregivers from complicated grief and distress but also to strengthen parenting which leads to bereaved children's adjustment.