Self-compassion is a positive psychological construct associated with heightened well-being, but the construct is largely measured via self-report. In a study of divorcing adults ( N = 120), we sought to replicate and extend prior research on the association between self-rated and observed self-compassion, the linguistic cues associated with self-rated and observed self-compassion, and the predictive utility of observed self-compassion. Untrained observers rated participants’ stream-of-consciousness recordings about their marriage and separation experience. We found adequate consensus among raters of observed self-compassion and a significant, positive association between self-rated and observed self-compassion. Greater self- and observer-rated self-compassion were associated with less distress at baseline; however, only observed self-compassion was associated with less distress at the final study assessment. Discussion centers on the cues observers use to perceive self-compassion in others and the extent to which behavioral manifestations of affect may shape such ratings.
Maladaptive repetitive thought (RT) is a transdiagnostic construct associated with several psychopathological disorders, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. However, not all forms of RT are maladaptive. Adaptive RT is characterized by primarily positive and concrete thought content, is usually focused on the present rather than the past or future, and frequently from a self-distanced perspective. From a behavioral therapy perspective, interventions that promote adaptive RT may interrupt or decrease engagement in maladaptive RT. In this review, we explore the distinction between adaptive and maladaptive RT and examine the utility of various forms of adaptive RT. Empirical evidence for several examples of adaptive RT (e.g., savoring, reminiscing, compassion, gratitude, mantra-based intervention) are provided, with demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of psychopathology or as components of empirically supported psychotherapies. Using adaptive RT therapeutically may be beneficial for those who are already predisposed to RT, either as an individual difference (e.g., neural default mode connectivity) or in response to a stressful life event. Recommendations for future research into adaptive RT and its potential utility in addressing maladaptive RT in vulnerable populations are discussed.
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