Handbook of Self-Compassion

Preface
Contents
About the Editors
Editors
Contributors
1: Self-Compassion: Theory and Measurement
	Introduction
		The Elements of Self-Compassion
		The Structure of Self-Compassion
		Fierce and Tender Self-Compassion
	How Does Self-Compassion Relate to Mindfulness?
	How Does Self-Compassion Relate to Self-Esteem?
	Common Misgivings About Self-Compassion
	The Measurement of Self-Compassion
		Factor Structure of the SCS
		Other Measures of Self-Compassion
	Self-Compassion Across Groups
	Other Methods of Researching Self-Compassion
	Conclusion
	References
2: Self-Compassion and Mindfulness
	Introduction
	Distinguishing Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Practices
		The Three Pillars of Mindfulness Practice
		Defining Self-Compassion
		Unique and Overlapping Benefits of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
		Mechanisms of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
		When Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Meet
	Conclusion
	References
3: To Be Compassionate and Feel Worthy: The Bidirectional Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Self-Esteem
	Introduction
	Self-Esteem: Definition, Consequences, and Measurement
		Contingent Self-Esteem
		Intrinsic Self-Esteem
		Measurement of Self-Esteem
	Self-Compassion: Definition, Consequences, and Measurement
	Are Self-Compassion and Self-Esteem Distinct Concepts?
		Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion Are Correlated
		Self-Compassion and Self-Esteem Differentially Predict Outcomes
		Self-Compassion May Mediate the Beneficial Impact of Self-Esteem
	A Comparison of Self-Compassion and Self-Esteem Focused Interventions
	How Self-Compassion and Self-Esteem Interact: Longitudinal Research
	The Self-Compassion and Self-Esteem Interaction: Application of the Interactive Network Model
	Conclusion
	References
4: Self-Compassion: An Evolutionary, Biopsychosocial, and Social Mentality Approach
	Introduction
	From Caring to Compassion
		Nonsocial Reasoning
		Social Reasoning
		Consciousness of Consciousness
		Knowing Intentionality
	Self-Care Versus Self-Compassion
	The Competencies of Human Caring and Compassion
		Wisdom of the Minds We Have
	Social Mentalities and the Self
	The Psychological Functions of the Evolved Caring and Attachment Systems
		Compassionate Others and Images
		Compassionate Self
	Building a Compassionate Mind
	Conclusion
	References
5: Attachment and Self-Compassion: Associations Across the Lifespan
	Introduction
	Self-Compassion
	Attachment Theory
	Connections Between Attachment Styles and Self-Compassion
	Early Childhood: Development of Attachment Styles and Self-Compassion
		Adverse Childhood Experiences
		The Role of Parents
	Adolescence: The Role of Peer Relationships on Attachment Styles and Self-Compassion
	Adulthood: Link Between Attachment Styles and Self-Compassion
		Young Adulthood
		Adulthood
		The Impact of Trauma in Adulthood
		Older Adulthood
	Implications for Interventions
	Conclusion
	References
6: Self-Compassion in Adolescence
	Introduction
		The Need for Self-Compassion in Adolescence
	Associations Between Self-Compassion and Well-Being Outcomes
	Self-Compassion as a Buffer Against Stress and Trauma
		Gender and Age as Moderators of Self-Compassion
		Self-Compassion as a Mediator: The Role of Self-Compassion in Predicting Outcomes
	Interventions: Cultivating Self-Compassion in Adolescents
		Limitations and Future Directions
	References
7: Self-Compassion and Positive Aging
	Introduction
		Cultivating a Healthy Self-Image in Later Life
		Self-Compassion and Mental Well-being in Later Life
		Self-Compassion May Improve Well-being via Promoting a Positive Attitude to Aging
		Self-Compassion and Physical Well-being
		Self-Compassion and Engagement in Activity
		Self-Compassion and Connectedness in Later Life
		Broad Processes Explaining Why Self-Compassion Promotes Positive Aging
	Conclusion and Future Directions
	References
8: Self-Compassion Across Cultures
	Introduction
	Factor Structure of the SCS Across Cultures
	Measurement Invariance of the SCS
	Mean Differences in SCS Across Cultures
	Cultivation of Self-Compassion Across Cultures
	Cultural Differences and Their Influence on Self-Compassion
		Self-Construal and Dialecticism
		Affective Expression
	Values and Social Norms
	Other Factors
	Limitations and Future Prospects
	Conclusion
	References
9: Self-Compassion Among Sexual and Gender Minorities: The Importance of Self-Kindness in a Frequently Unkind World
	Introduction
		A Rose by Any Other Name: LGBA, TNG, TGD, or Sexual- and Gender-Minority Populations
		Stigma and Other Punishments for Violating Social Norms
		Empirical Investigations of Stigma: The Minority-Stress Model
		Self-Compassion May Support Resilience to Minority Stress for SGM Populations
		Self-Compassion in SGM Populations
		Self-Compassion and the Intersection of Multiple Marginalized Identities
		Self-Compassion Is Not the Sole Answer to Dealing with Stigma
	Limitations
		Future Directions
	References
10: Self-Compassion as a Resource of Resilience
	From Risk to Resilience
		What Is Resilience?
	Resilience in the Context of Mental Health
		Resilience and the Two-Continua Model of Mental Health
	Self-Compassion as an Adaptation and Resilience Resource
		Recovery from Mental Distress with Self-Compassion
		Sustainability and Growth of Mental Well-being with Self-Compassion
	Self-Compassion and Resilience in the Context of War Veterans
		The Adversity of Going Through War
		Promoting Resilience in Veterans with Self-Compassion
	Self-Compassion and Resilience in the Context of Cancer
		The Adversity of Going Through Cancer
		Promoting Resilience in People with Cancer with Self-Compassion
	Conclusion
	References
11: Self-Compassion and Body Image
	Introduction
	Theoretical Frameworks and Corresponding Research
		The Tripartite Influence Model
		Objectification Theory
		Social Mentalities Theory
		Weight Stigma Theories
		Within-Person Variability in Self-Compassion, Body Image, and Eating Behavior
	Interventions to Improve Body Image
		Self-Compassion Meditations
		Writing Tasks
		Mobile Applications
		Group-Based Delivery
	Conclusions and Future Research Directions
	References
12: Self-Compassion, Personal Improvement, and Motivation
	Introduction
		Self-Compassion and Self-Improvement
		Self-Compassion and Health
		Self-Compassion and Academic Motivation
	Pathways Underpinning the Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Motivation
		Taking Responsibility for Performance Outcomes
		Self-Efficacy, Performance Appraisals, and Failure Construals
		Self-Regulation and Adaptive Affective Responses to Challenges
	Summary
	References
13: Self-Compassion in Competitive Sport
	The Case for Self-Compassion in Sport
	Challenges for Self-Compassion in Sport
	Measurement of Self-Compassion in Sport
	Cognitions, Emotions, Behaviors, and Outcomes Associated with Self-Compassion
	The Development of Self-Compassion
	Self-Compassion Intervention
	Adoption of Self-Compassion in Sport
		Self-Compassion Promotion Versus Intervention
		Connection to Resilience and Motivation
		Sport-Specific Needs and Factors
	Additional Areas for Future Research
	Conclusion
	References
14: Caring for the Carer – Self-Compassion in the Health Professions
	Introduction
	Can Self-Compassion Solve the Problems of Modern Healthcare?
		The Challenges of Modern Healthcare Environments
		Can Self-Compassion Be a Solution?
	Why Might Self-Compassion Benefit Healthcare Professionals? Theoretical Underpinnings
	Empirical Studies of Self-Compassion in Healthcare
		Observational Studies
		Self-Compassion Interventions
	Commentary and Key Issues
	Concluding Remarks
	References
15: Self-Compassion in Relationships and Caregiving Contexts
	References
16: Self-Compassion in Parenting
	Introduction
	Self-Compassion as an Inner Resource Associated with Better Parenting Outcomes
	A Mindful and Compassionate Approach to Parenting
		A Conceptual Model of a Mindful and Compassionate Approach to Parenting
		Determinants of Mindful and Compassionate Parenting
		Mindful and Compassionate Parenting and Parenting Stress
		Mindful and Compassionate Parenting and Parenting Behaviors
		Mindful and Compassionate Parenting and Children’s Outcomes
	Conclusions
	References
17: The Psychophysiology of Self-Compassion
	Introduction
	Observational Studies of Trait Self-Compassion and Stress
		Summary of Observational Studies on Self-Compassion and Stress Physiology
	Experimental Studies Related to Self-Compassion and Physiological Stress
		Summary of Experimental Studies on Self-Compassion and Stress Physiology
	Clinical Interventions Related to Stress and Mental Health
	Conclusions
	References
18: A Triadic Pathway Model of Self-Compassion and Health
	Introduction
	Current Evidence on the Role of Self-Compassion for Physical Health
		Self-Compassion and Physical Symptoms
		Self-Compassion and Overall Physical Health
	Why Is Self-Compassion Associated with Physical Health?
		Triadic Pathways to Health
		The Role of Self-Regulation in Linking Self-Compassion to Health
	Self-Compassion and Stress
		Coping as a Process Linking Self-Compassion to Lower Stress
		Self-Compassion, Emotion Regulation, and Stress
	Self-Compassion and Health Behaviors
		Self-Compassion, Self-Efficacy, and Health Behaviors
		Emotional Regulation as a Self-Regulation Resource for Health Behaviors
		Self-Compassion, Emotion Regulation, and Sleep Quality
	Conclusions and Future Directions
	References
19: Self-Compassion and Chronic Medical Conditions
	Introduction
	Self-Compassion as a Psychological Resource in CMCs
		Self-Compassion and Chronic Pain
		Self-Compassion and Diabetes
	Diabetes-Specific Measures of Self-Compassion
	Self-Compassion Interventions in Diabetes
		Self-Compassion and Cancer
	Summary and Conclusion
	References
20: Self-Compassion in Trauma Treatment
	Introduction
	Trauma Exposure and Complex PTSD
	Self-Compassion and PTSD
	Self-Compassion, Shame, and PTSD
		Betrayal Traumas and Shame
	Self-Compassion in the Treatment of Complex PTSD
	Self-Compassion for Complex Mental Health Problems
	Understanding Fears and Barriers to Compassion
		Our Attachment Past Determines Our Compassion Present
		Trust First, Compassion Second
		Consider the Capacity to Mentalize
	An Attachment-Based Reformulation of Self-Compassion in Trauma Treatment
		Safely Navigating Unchartered Attachment Trauma Territory
		Adapt to the Attachment Style
		Principles for Selecting Interventions
	Self-Compassion Within Phase-Based Therapy for Complex PTSD
		Grief and Mourning
		The Final Phase: Learning to Thrive
	Conclusion
	References
21: Self-Compassion and Non-suicidal Self-Injury
	What Is NSSI?
	Theoretical Accounts of NSSI
	Self-Criticism and NSSI
	Self-Compassion and NSSI
	NSSI Recovery
	Self-Compassion Interventions
	Conclusion
	References
22: Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy: Clinical Integration, Evidence Base, and Mechanisms of Change
	Introduction
	Historical Context
	Empathy and Compassion
	Discovering Self-Compassion
	A New Paradigm
	Transdiagnostic and Transtheoretical Change Process
		Transdiagnostic Process
		Transtheoretical Process
	Three Levels of Integration into Psychotherapy
		Level 1: Compassionate Presence
		Level 2: Compassionate Alliance
		Level 3: Compassionate Interventions
	Self-Compassion for Emotion Regulation
	Neurophysiological Mechanisms
	Brain Research
	Psychological Mechanisms
		Developing Secure Attachment
	Working with Fears of Compassion
	Alleviating Shame
	Conclusion
	References
23: Compassion Focused Therapy – What It Is, What It Targets, and the Evidence
	Introduction
	Compassion Definition
	The Origins of CFT
	Compassion-Focused Therapy and Compassionate Mind Training
	A Brief Overview of Social Mentality Theory
		Three Affect Regulation Systems
	Fears of Compassion
	Compassion and Physiology
	Applying CFT to a Case: The Basics
	CFT Intervention Components
	Future Work for Compassion Focused Therapy
	Conclusion
	References
24: A House with Many Doors – Toward a More Nuanced Self-Compassion Intervention Science
	Introduction
	Self-Compassion and Risk and Resilience to Psychopathology
		Self-Compassion and Mood and Anxiety Disorders
		Self-Compassion and Eating Disorders
		Self-Compassion and Posttraumatic Stress
		Cultivating Self-Compassion: A House with Many Doors
	Toward a More Nuanced Self-Compassion Intervention Science: What, for Whom, Under Which Circumstances, and Why?
		The What: Differential Outcomes Across Treatment Conditions
		For Whom and Under Which Circumstances? Predictors and Moderators of Treatment Effects
		The How: Mechanisms of Change
	Future Directions
		Increasing Methodological Rigor and Generalizability
		Considering Scalability Through Economics and Implementation Science
		Testing Theoretical Models and Mechanisms
		Understanding Predictors and Moderators of Treatment Effects
	Conclusion
	References
Index