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Mesagno C, Hammond AA, Goodyear MA. An initial investigation into the mental health difficulties in athletes who experience choking under pressure. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2024; 74:102663. [PMID: 38759822 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102663] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to determine the frequency of choking under pressure (i.e., choking) and quantify the prevalence of psychological and behavioural consequences of choking. 165 current and retired athletes (over 18 years old) from various sporting levels completed an online survey that asked about demographics, the frequency of choking, and the psychological (e.g., negative feelings toward sport, passion/enjoyment of sport negatively affected, and suicidal ideation) and behavioural (e.g., missing/skipping sport temporarily, dropping out/quitting sport, and maladaptive, risky behaviour) effects of choking. Descriptive statistics on choking frequency indicated 127 (77%) athletes in this sample experienced choking in the last year of playing their sport, and, on average, "choked" 18.25 times during that year. Of the 65 athletes currently playing sport, 36 (55.4%) experienced choking in the past month. Furthermore, 39.4% and 7.1% of athletes in this sample did not achieve higher levels of competition and had suicidal thoughts due to choking, respectively. High-performance athletes in the current sample were more likely to engage in maladaptive behaviours after choking compared to low-performance athletes. Choking more negatively affected the passion/enjoyment for sport of currently playing (i.e., excluding all retired) high-performance than currently playing low-performance athletes. This seminal study crudely quantifies the frequency of choking in athletes, but more importantly provides crucial evidence of the psychological and behavioural consequences of choking and advocates for further research into choking and athlete mental health.
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Tremblay MI, Bennett EV, Mosewich AD, Norman ME, Crocker PRE. "I think the best athletes use it": Masculinities and self-compassion among men varsity athletes. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2023; 69:102486. [PMID: 37665921 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102486] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
We examined how men varsity athletes' embodiments of masculinities shaped their perceptions and experiences of self-compassion to manage sport-related challenges. Two semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 men varsity athletes (20 interviews total). Vignettes depiciting athletes low and high in self-compassion were used as talk elicitation tools during interviews. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and four themes were identified from the mens' accounts. Participants utilized self-compassion as a coping strategy in sport and other life-domains to maintain well-being. Self-compassion was used to balance self-criticism to support achievement striving efforts. The experience of contrasting masculine ideologies (hegemonic and inclusive) promoted and constrained the men's implementation of self-compassion. Traditional masculine narratives created tensions for participants who at times embodied the (mis)belief that self-compassion promotes complacency in the pursuit of athletic achievement. Findings contribute to understandings of men athletes' experiences of self-compassion and masculinities in relation to sport-related challenges and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam I Tremblay
- School of Kinesiology, The University of British Columbia, 210-6081 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Erica V Bennett
- School of Kinesiology, The University of British Columbia, 210-6081 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada.
| | - Amber D Mosewich
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, 1-105 University Hall, 8840 - 114 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2J9, Canada
| | - Moss E Norman
- School of Kinesiology, The University of British Columbia, 210-6081 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Peter R E Crocker
- School of Kinesiology, The University of British Columbia, 210-6081 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
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Hagerman CJ, Ehmann MM, Taylor LC, Forman EM. The role of self-compassion and its individual components in adaptive responses to dietary lapses. Appetite 2023; 190:107009. [PMID: 37619622 PMCID: PMC10543633 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Dietary lapses (i.e., instances of dietary non-adherence) are common during weight loss attempts, and compromise success in two ways: increasing caloric intake and demoralizing the participant, sometimes leading them to abandon their weight control goals altogether. Efforts to understand and prevent demoralization have received almost no research attention. Self-compassion has high potential to promote adaptive responses to these setbacks because it reframes "failure" and promotes self-improvement. Past research shows that when participants experience a lapse, those practicing higher self-compassion report higher self-efficacy and intentions to continue dieting. The current study extended this literature to examine whether self-compassion in response to a lapse would predict lower likelihood of a subsequent same-day lapse and greater reports of perceived control over weight management behaviors. We also examined whether the individual facets of self-compassion, including self-kindness (treating oneself the way one would a friend); common humanity (the understanding that everyone has struggles); and mindfulness (non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and feelings) are associated with these outcomes. Participants (N = 140) enrolled in a behavioral weight loss trial completed 6 ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys a day for seven days. Total self-compassion and each facet of self-compassion individually were all associated with less negative affect after a lapse. None of the self-compassion variables predicted the likelihood of participants reporting a lapse again that day. However, higher total self-compassion and higher self-kindness after a lapse were both associated with greater perceived self-control over weight management behaviors in the hours following. Common humanity and mindfulness, respectively, were not associated with reports of perceived control. Results suggest that self-compassion following dieting setbacks may prevent goal disengagement, and that self-kindness is the facet most strongly associated with adaptive responses to these setbacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte J Hagerman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Center for Weight, Eating and Lifestyle Sciences (WELL Center), Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Marny M Ehmann
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Center for Weight, Eating and Lifestyle Sciences (WELL Center), Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Lauren C Taylor
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Center for Weight, Eating and Lifestyle Sciences (WELL Center), Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Evan M Forman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Center for Weight, Eating and Lifestyle Sciences (WELL Center), Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Andorfer A, Kraler S, Kaufmann P, Pollheimer E, Spah C, Fuchshuber J, Rominger C, Traunmüller C, Schwerdtfeger A, Unterrainer HF. Psychophysiological stress response after a 6-week Mindful Self-Compassion training in psychiatric rehabilitation inpatients: a randomized post-test only study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1098122. [PMID: 37533890 PMCID: PMC10391549 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1098122] [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: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Mindfulness-based interventions (including self-compassion interventions) are effective in improving stress management at psychological and physical levels. Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is a newly developed program particularly aimed at increasing self-compassion. The main objective of this study was to determine whether the psychophysiological stress response during a social-evaluative speaking task differs in inpatients participating in the MSC or the Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) program at the end of their 6-week psychiatric rehabilitation stay (i.e., post-test only design). Method Data from 50 inpatients (25 MSC, 25 PMR, 35 female) aged 19 to 76 years (M = 47.22, SD = 12.44) were analyzed in terms of psychophysiological stress response. For this purpose, heart rate variability, heart rate, and blood pressure were assessed together with several psychometric variables: positive and negative affect (PANAS), subjective stress perception (Visual Analog Scale), self-compassion (Self-Compassion Scale), cognitive reappraisal and suppression (Emotion Regulation Questionnaire), psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory-18), and appraisal and rumination (selected items). Results After correction for alpha inflation no differences in the psychophysiological stress response and psychometric parameters between the MSC and PMR group were found. Discussion In general, our results indicate that MSC is not superior to PMR training. However, more research with clinical randomized controlled trials investigating larger samples are needed to further affirm these initial findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Andorfer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- CIAR: Center for Integrative Addiction Research, Grüner Kreis Society, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabina Kraler
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Paul Kaufmann
- Center for Psychosocial Health, Sonnenpark Neusiedlersee, Rust, Austria
| | - Ewald Pollheimer
- Center for Psychosocial Health, Sonnenpark Neusiedlersee, Rust, Austria
| | - Christoph Spah
- Center for Psychosocial Health, Sonnenpark Neusiedlersee, Rust, Austria
| | - Jürgen Fuchshuber
- CIAR: Center for Integrative Addiction Research, Grüner Kreis Society, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Human-Friedrich Unterrainer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- CIAR: Center for Integrative Addiction Research, Grüner Kreis Society, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Department of Religious Studies, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Faculty of Psychotherapy Science, Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria
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Zhang N, Huang J, Yao J. Athletes' self-compassion and emotional resilience to failure: the mediating role of vagal reactivity. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1192265. [PMID: 37359872 PMCID: PMC10288131 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1192265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sports University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiasheng Huang
- Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxin Yao
- College of Education and Psychology, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, China
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Fu J, Xu C, Yan W, Li L. 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. APPLIED RESEARCH IN QUALITY OF LIFE 2023; 18:1-25. [PMID: 37359220 PMCID: PMC10031185 DOI: 10.1007/s11482-023-10165-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingdong Fu
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Xu
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhua Yan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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Sánchez-Sánchez LC, Franco C, Amutio A, García-Silva J, González-Hernández J. Influence of Mindfulness on Levels of Impulsiveness, Moods and Pre-Competition Anxiety in Athletes of Different Sports. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11060898. [PMID: 36981555 PMCID: PMC10048023 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060898] [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] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Training in emotional regulation skills is one of the most important resources for the adaptation of athletes to contexts of sports pressure, especially during competitions. This study explored the effects of a mindfulness programme (Flow Meditation) on levels of impulsivity, mood and pre-competition anxiety-state in a sample of athletes (N = 41, 22.83 ± 5.62 years). Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (N = 21; 14 males and 7 females) which received the intervention over 10 weeks (a weekly session) and a control group (wait-list; N = 20; 13 males and 7 females). The variables under study were assessed through different questionnaires at pre- and post-test (T1-T2) in both groups. The mindfulness intervention was effective in reducing impulsivity (cognitive (t = -4.48, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.40), both motor (t = -4.03, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.20) and unplanned (t = -5.32, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.66)), mood (tension (t = -4.40, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.37), depression (t = -4.56, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.42), anger (t = -7.80, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 2.47), somatic anxiety (t = -5.28, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.65), and cognitive anxiety (t = -6.62, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 2.07) in the intervention group compared to the control group and with large to very large effect sizes. Mindfulness is a factor that enhances athletes' ability to cope with high sport pressure and the healthy management of competition (e.g., fear of failure), or with their daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Sánchez-Sánchez
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, Faculty de Psychology, University of Granada, Campus Cartuja, 180071 Granada, Spain
| | - Clemente Franco
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, Carretera Sacramento, S/N, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Alberto Amutio
- Department of Social Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena, S/N, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Facultad de Educación y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago de Chile 7591538, Chile
| | - Jaqueline García-Silva
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, Faculty de Psychology, University of Granada, Campus Cartuja, 180071 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan González-Hernández
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, Faculty de Psychology, University of Granada, Campus Cartuja, 180071 Granada, Spain
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O'Brien WH, Peijisel C, Koerten H, Bunyarit I, Lim S, Chavanovanich J. Lesser degree of HR and HF-HRV recovery from an evaluative stressor is associated with higher levels of perfectionism and self-compassion. Behav Res Ther 2023; 164:104305. [PMID: 37028227 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2023.104305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
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Kosirnik C, Antonini Philippe R, Pomini V. Investigating the Links Between Performers' Self-Compassion, Mental Toughness and Their Social Environment: A Semi-Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2022; 13:887099. [PMID: 35910958 PMCID: PMC9331924 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.887099] [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: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Being mentally tough while evaluating oneself in a compassionate way is still a difficult path for performers. Self-compassion, characterized by the ability to be kind to oneself, to see one's experiences as part of the larger human experience and have a balanced awareness to one's emotions and thoughts, was recently studied as a stepping stone to performance optimization and personal development. Despite a mistrust of this concept in the sports world, various studies show its benefits within athletes. A major question remains the environment that fosters or hinders the development of self-compassion: when role models extend compassionate attitudes, does it allow performers to respond in more self-compassionate ways? The relationship between self-compassion, mental toughness, and social environment is still unclear and is an important direction for future research within performers. This semi-systematic literature review aims at proposing an overview of the state of the art regarding self-compassion, mental toughness, and the influence of performer's, and social environments. Sixteen studies were retrieved. We conclude that the number of multi-day intervention programs and longitudinal studies should be increased. The studies should also consider assessing the specific aspects of performance culture and settings. In addition, overall performance-specific measures could be developed to assess general levels of self-compassion. The development of a theoretical framework explaining how self-compassion affects a performer, the role of their entourage and its link to other psychological resources, such as mental toughness, could help to better understand this concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Kosirnik
- Institute of Sports Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Valentino Pomini
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Alipour Ataabadi Y, Cormier DL, Kowalski KC, Oates AR, Ferguson LJ, Lanovaz JL. The Associations Among Self-Compassion, Self-Esteem, Self-Criticism, and Concern Over Mistakes in Response to Biomechanical Feedback in Athletes. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:868576. [PMID: 35520096 PMCID: PMC9062879 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.868576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Athletes regularly face the possibility of failing to meet expectations in training and competition, and it is essential that they are equipped with strategies to facilitate coping after receiving performance feedback. Self-compassion is a potential resource to help athletes manage the various setbacks that arise in sport over and above other psychological resources. The primary purpose of this research was to explore how athletes respond to objective biomechanical feedback given after a performance. Specifically, we investigated if levels of self-compassion, self-esteem, self-criticism, and concern over mistakes were related to one another before and after a series of sprint tests interspersed with biomechanical feedback, and whether self-compassionate athletes achieved a better sprint performance after receiving and implementing biomechanical feedback. Forty-eight athletes (20 female: Mage = 19.8 years, SD = 3.1; 28 male: Mage = 23.6 years, SD = 7.8) completed online measures of self-compassion, self-esteem, self-criticism and concern over mistakes before performing four sets of 40-m sprints. Participants received personalized biomechanical feedback after each sprint that compared their performance to gold standard results. Following all sprints, they then completed measures of self-criticism, and reported emotions, thoughts, and reactions. Self-compassion was positively correlated with self-esteem (r = 0.57, p < 0.01) and negatively related to both self-criticism (r = −0.52, p < 0.01) and concern over mistakes (r = −0.69, p < 0.01). We also found that athletes with higher levels of self-compassion prior to sprint performance experienced less self-critical thoughts following biomechanical feedback and subsequent sprint trials (r = −0.38, p < 0.01). Although the results of this study provide some support for the effectiveness of self-compassion in promoting healthy emotions, thoughts, and reactions in response to sprint performance-based biomechanical feedback, a moderated regression analysis between the first and fourth sprint time variables revealed that self-compassion was not a moderator for change in sprint performance (R2 = 0.64, ΔR2 = 0.10, p > 0.05). These findings suggest that there are likely longer-term benefits of athletes using self-compassion to cope with biomechanical feedback, but that any benefits might be limited in a short series of sprint trials.
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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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Signore A, Semenchuk BN, Strachan SM. Self-Compassion and Reactions to a Recalled Exercise Lapse: The Moderating Role of Gender-Role Schemas. JOURNAL OF SPORT & EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 43:477-487. [PMID: 34702786 DOI: 10.1123/jsep.2020-0300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Exercise is good for health and well-being, yet people experience lapses when trying to adhere to exercise. Self-compassion may help people cope with exercise lapses. Most research on self-compassion and exercise has been conducted with women; men may also benefit from self-compassion. No research has examined whether gender-role schema influences responses to exercise lapses. The authors examined both male and female adult exercisers (N = 220) who reported their self-compassion, recalled an exercise lapse, their reactions to the lapse, and their self-identification of masculinity and femininity. After controlling for self-esteem, age, and lapse importance, self-compassion negatively related to emotional responses (p < .001), rumination (p < .001), extrinsic motivation (p = .004), and positively related to intrinsic motivation (p < .001). Masculinity moderated the relationships between self-compassion and amotivation (p = .006), and identified regulation (p = .01). Self-compassion may be an effective resource for exercisers, especially those who identify as highly masculine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana Signore
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB,Canada
| | - Brittany N Semenchuk
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB,Canada
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB,Canada
| | - Shaelyn M Strachan
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB,Canada
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Pastore O, McFadden T, Fortier M. Investigating the Impact of Physical Activity Counselling on Self-Compassion and Physical Activity. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02346-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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14
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Kullman SM, Semenchuk BN, Schellenberg BJI, Ceccarelli L, Strachan SM. Adjusting Identities When Times Change: The Role of Self-Compassion. JOURNAL OF SPORT & EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 43:410-418. [PMID: 34480010 DOI: 10.1123/jsep.2020-0342] [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: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Adjusting identity standards may be preferable to relentless pursuit or abandonment of an identity when facing an identity-challenging life transition. Self-compassion (SC) can help people adjust to challenges. The authors examined whether SC was associated with identity adjustment, exercise, and the moderating effect of identity-behavior discrepancy in 279 women exercisers who reported reduced exercise in motherhood. Participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale and reported the extent of and reflected on their identity discrepant behavior (reduced exercise). Reactions to discrepancy (acceptance, shame, guilt, and rumination), correlates of identity adjustment (subjective well-being, autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and role conflict), and exercise behavior were assessed. SC associated positively with acceptance, correlates of successful identity adjustment, and exercise behavior. SC associated negatively with shame, rumination, and correlates of unsuccessful adjustment. SC may help exercise-identifying women who exercise less after becoming mothers adaptively cope with this identity challenge and continue exercising.
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Jansen P, Hoja S, Meneghetti C. Does repetitive thinking mediate the relationship between self-compassion and competition anxiety in athletes? COGENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2021.1909243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Jansen
- Faculty of Human Science, University of Regensburg, Regensburg Germany
| | - Sabine Hoja
- Faculty of Human Science, University of Regensburg, Regensburg Germany
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Wearable Technologies for Mental Workload, Stress, and Emotional State Assessment during Working-Like Tasks: A Comparison with Laboratory Technologies. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21072332. [PMID: 33810613 PMCID: PMC8036989 DOI: 10.3390/s21072332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The capability of monitoring user’s performance represents a crucial aspect to improve safety and efficiency of several human-related activities. Human errors are indeed among the major causes of work-related accidents. Assessing human factors (HFs) could prevent these accidents through specific neurophysiological signals’ evaluation but laboratory sensors require highly-specialized operators and imply a certain grade of invasiveness which could negatively interfere with the worker’s activity. On the contrary, consumer wearables are characterized by their ease of use and their comfortability, other than being cheaper compared to laboratory technologies. Therefore, wearable sensors could represent an ideal substitute for laboratory technologies for a real-time assessment of human performances in ecological settings. The present study aimed at assessing the reliability and capability of consumer wearable devices (i.e., Empatica E4 and Muse 2) in discriminating specific mental states compared to laboratory equipment. The electrooculographic (EOG), electrodermal activity (EDA) and photoplethysmographic (PPG) signals were acquired from a group of 17 volunteers who took part to the experimental protocol in which different working scenarios were simulated to induce different levels of mental workload, stress, and emotional state. The results demonstrated that the parameters computed by the consumer wearable and laboratory sensors were positively and significantly correlated and exhibited the same evidences in terms of mental states discrimination.
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Mascaro JS, Florian MP, Ash MJ, Palmer PK, Frazier T, Condon P, Raison C. Ways of Knowing Compassion: How Do We Come to Know, Understand, and Measure Compassion When We See It? Front Psychol 2020; 11:547241. [PMID: 33132956 PMCID: PMC7561712 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.547241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, empirical research on compassion has burgeoned in the biomedical, clinical, translational, and foundational sciences. Increasingly sophisticated understandings and measures of compassion continue to emerge from the abundance of multidisciplinary and cross-disciplinary studies. Naturally, the diversity of research methods and theoretical frameworks employed presents a significant challenge to consensus and synthesis of this knowledge. To bring the empirical findings of separate and sometimes siloed disciplines into conversation with one another requires an examination of their disparate assumptions about what compassion is and how it can be known. Here, we present an integrated theoretical review of methodologies used in the empirical study of compassion. Our goal is to highlight the distinguishing features of each of these ways of knowing compassion, as well as the strengths and limitations of applying them to specific research questions. We hope this will provide useful tools for selecting methods that are tailored to explicit objectives (methods matching), taking advantage of methodological complementarity across disciplines (methods mixing), and incorporating the empirical study of compassion into fields in which it may be missing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S. Mascaro
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Marcia J. Ash
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Patricia K. Palmer
- Department of Spiritual Health, Woodruff Health Sciences Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Tyralynn Frazier
- Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Paul Condon
- Department of Psychology, Southern Oregon University, Ashland, OR, United States
| | - Charles Raison
- School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Abstract
The scientific study of compassion is burgeoning, however the putative neurophysiological markers of programs which actively train distress tolerance, such as Compassionate Mind Training (CMT), are less well known. Herein we offer an integrative, multi-method approach which investigated CMT at neural, physiological, self-report, and behavioural levels. Specifically, this study first assessed participants' neural responses when confronted with disappointments (e.g., rejection, failure) using two fundamental self-regulatory styles, self-criticism and self-reassurance. Second, participant's heart-rate variability (HRV) - a marker of parasympathetic nervous system response - was assessed during compassion training, pre- and post- a two-week self-directed engagement period. We identified neural networks associated with threat are reduced when practicing compassion, and heightened when being self-critical. In addition, cultivating compassion was associated with increased parasympathetic response as measured by an increase in HRV, versus the resting-state. Critically, cultivating compassion was able to shift a subset of clinically-at risk participants to one of increased parasympathetic response. Further, those who began the trial with lower resting HRV also engaged more in the intervention, possibly as they derived more benefits, both self-report and physiologically, from engagement in compassion.
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