Brief report: Self-compassion, physical health and the mediating role of health-promoting behaviours

Abstract

To test the hypothesis that self-compassion predicts better physical health and that this is partially mediated through health-promoting behaviours, 147 adults completed selfreport measures of self-compassion, health-promoting behaviours and physical health.Self-compassion and health-promoting behaviours were negatively associated with physical symptom scores. Self-compassion was positively associated with healthpromoting behaviours. A bootstrapped mediation model confirmed a significant direct effect of self-compassion on physical health through health-promoting behaviours (R 2 = 0.13, b = -8.98, p = 0.015), which was partially mediated through health-promoting behaviours (R 2 = 0.06, b = -3.16, 95% CI [-6.78, -.86]). Findings underscore the potential health-promoting benefits of self-compassion.

Self-compassion and suicidal behavior in college students: Serial indirect effects via depression and wellness behaviors

“…Self-compassion also appears to be beneficially related to health, 10 and engagement in wellness behaviors. 11,19 The concept of wellness has been defined as an active process by which an individual becomes aware of and makes choices toward a more successful existence.…”

“…Self-compassion is beneficially related to physical and mental health outcomes, including fewer depressive symptoms and greater engagement in health behaviors. [10][11] Additionally, preliminary evidence suggests that self-compassion is associated with reduced risk of suicide. [12][13][14] Self-compassion may directly lessen suicide risk, such that individuals who are more understanding toward themselves, recognize that they are not alone in their suffering, and are mindful of their experiences, have less likelihood of engaging in suicidal behavior.…”

Mental health of UK university business students: Relationship with shame, motivation and self-compassion

“…Based on the findings from the present study, it may be helpful to integrate self-compassion training into higher-education business studies curricula, as it can lead to better self-care and mental health (Dunne, Sheffield & Chilcot, 2016). For example, embedding such training in the orientation phase of a study programme may be an effective means of building resilience in respect of the psychological stress likely to be encountered during the forthcoming semester (Law, 2010).…”

Incorporating psychoeducation, mindfulness and self-compassion in a new programme for binge eating (BEfree): Exploring processes of change

“…Selfreassurance is more narrowly defined as the ability to be kind, caring and supportive when things go wrong (Gilbert, 2005(Gilbert, , 2009(Gilbert, , 2010. Selfcompassion seems to be positively linked to women's quality of life (Duarte et al, 2015a;Marta-Simões et al, 2016) and health-promoting behaviours (Dunne et al, 2016). Self-compassion also seems to be useful for BED treatment (Kelly and Carter, 2015;Kelly et al, 2014) and for dealing with body dissatisfaction in woman (Albertson et al, 2015).…”