Self-compassion has emerged as an important construct in the mental health literature. Although conceptual links between self-compassion and trauma are apparent, a review has not been completed to examine whether this association is supported by empirical research findings. To systematically summarize knowledge on the association between trauma and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and self-compassion. Searches were conducted in PsycINFO, PubMed, Ovid Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and PILOTS databases, and papers reporting a direct analysis on the relationship between these constructs were identified. The search yielded 35 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Despite considerable heterogeneity in study design, sample, measurement, and trauma type, there was consistent evidence to suggest that increased self-compassion is associated with less PTSD symptomatology and some evidence to suggest that reduced fear of self-compassion is associated with less PTSD symptomatology. There was tentative evidence to suggest that interventions based, in part or whole, on a self-compassion model potentially reduce PTSD symptoms. Although findings are positive for the association between increased selfcompassion and reduced PTSD symptoms, the precise mechanism of these protective effects is unknown. Prospective and longitudinal studies would be beneficial in clarifying this. The review also highlighted the variability in what is and should be referred to as trauma exposure, indicating the need for further research to clarify the concept. K E Y W O R D Sself-compassion, fear of self-compassion, trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, review

The suicide rate in Ireland remains very high and strategies to address this are urgently required. Our study indicates that national suicide prevention strategies can be effective.

Integration of intrapersonal, interpersonal and environmental factors has been proposed to enhance understanding of psychological quality of life (QOL) in adults with severe and enduring mental illness (SMI). This study examined the contribution of factors such as self-stigma, coping style and personal recovery orientation to psychological QOL in SMI; compared QOL outcomes to norms from the general population; and examined the association between personal recovery orientation and overall QOL. 70 participants with SMI completed measures of QOL (including psychological QOL), personal recovery orientation, coping, perceived stigma, psychological distress and demographic variables. Regression analysis found that only adaptive coping and psychological distress contributed significantly to psychological QOL. Personal recovery orientation was significantly associated with overall subjective QOL. Participants had lower QOL in the psychological and social relationships domains compared to the general population. Findings support the positive contribution of adaptive coping to psychological QOL, and the positive association between personal recovery orientation and overall QOL.

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