If you are new to this area of positive psychology, check out my previous blog on the “Psychology of Self-Compassion.”
Positive psychology, defined as the “scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive,” has recently exploded into popularity. Think: mindfulness or meditation, among other buzzwords we use for self-care. Similarly, another concept, “self-compassion,” remains left on the sidelines, despite growing research evidence supporting its efficacy and benefits.
For example, the transition from high school to university can be an incredibly stressful time, which may lead to a decline in well-being, both physical and mental. This comes at no surprise as most students will have to adjust to a new environment, not to mention potentially a new city and people! As such, researchers set out to determine whether self-compassion could alleviate stressors during this crucial first year. Undergraduate students were recruited at the beginning of their first year and completed questionnaires assessing their well-being; similar questionnaires were re-administered five months later.
Study results showed that increases in self-compassion over the first year of university were related to greater student wellbeing. Specifically, self-compassion was linked with increases in feeling competent, autonomy, and relatedness with others. So, what are the key takeaways from this research? Insights gleaned from this study may demonstrate that interventions promoting self-compassion can increase resiliency, especially in students.
Similarly, in an adult population, individuals seeking chronic pain treatment from primary care settings were administered questionnaires. Results showed that for those who were higher in self-compassion, they tended to report less depressive, anxious, and distress symptoms, compared to those who were lower in self-compassion. Indeed, the researchers deemed that because self-criticism predicts anxiety and depression, self-compassion may be the buffer at play as self-compassion actively discourages self-criticism.
Broadly, self-compassion is linked to greater well-being, having greater coping and resiliency skills, and lower levels of mental health symptoms. A plethora of research continues to support the benefits of positive psychology, particularly self-compassion.
So today, endeavor to be kind to everyone, especially to yourself.
Further reading on self-compassion
More research on self-compassion
Photo by Dayne Topkin on Unsplash
