Self-Compassion: Theory, Method, Research, and Intervention
Abstract
Self-compassion refers to being supportive toward oneself when experiencing suffering or pain-be it caused by personal mistakes and inadequacies or external life challenges. This review presents my theoretical model of self-compassion as comprised of six different elements: increased self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness as well as reduced self-judgment, isolation, and overidentification. It discusses the methodology of self-compassion research and reviews the increasingly large number of empirical studies that indicate self-compassion is a productive way of approaching distressing thoughts and emotions that engenders mental and physical well-being. It also reviews research that dispels common myths about self-compassion (e.g., that it is weak, selfish, self-indulgent or undermines motivation). Interventions designed to increase self-compassion, such as compassion-focused therapy and mindful self-compassion, are discussed. Finally, the review considers problematic issues in the field, such as the differential effects fallacy, and considers limitations and future research directions in the field of self-compassion research.
Cite this
Kristin D. Neff (2022). Self-Compassion: Theory, Method, Research, and Intervention. Annual Review of Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-032420-031047
@article{d2022selfcompassion,
title = {Self-Compassion: Theory, Method, Research, and Intervention},
author = {Neff, Kristin D.},
year = {2022},
journal = {Annual Review of Psychology},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-psych-032420-031047}
}Citations in this library
Stored only when both papers are in the corpus — 924 citations exist upstream.