Compassionate and self‐image goals as interpersonal maintenance factors in clinical depression and anxiety

Abstract

Results suggest the relevance of self-image and compassionate goals for the interpersonal maintenance of depression and anxiety.

The Role of Compassionate and Self-Image Goals in Predicting Psychological Controlling and Facilitative Parenting Styles

“…Moreover, we found no age interactions, thus implying our scenarios seemed to work similarly with all ages. This finding is inconsistent with previous research showing that self-image goals are linked to anxiety and stress (Erickson et al, 2018) and that self-compassion is linked to more positive and less negative emotional responses in parents (Kirby and Baldwin, 2018). Moreover, the findings are inconsistent with previous research from which Study 2 was adapted, which showed that a subtle reminder to be self-compassionate following initial failure at a test lead to increased time spent studying for a subsequent test compared to those who read a self-esteem statement or those in the no intervention control condition (Breines and Chen, 2012, Study 3).…”

“…There is accumulating evidence showing that compassionate and self-image goals reflect distinct motivational perspectives (Crocker and Canevello, 2008; Canevello and Crocker, 2011; Erickson et al, 2018). Crocker and Canevello (2008) examine intrapersonal effects of goals on perceived social support and trust in 199 students.…”

“…Self-image and compassionate goals shape relationships with others (Crocker and Canevello, 2008; Canevello and Crocker, 2011; Erickson et al, 2018).…”

Childhood Emotional Maltreatment and Romantic Relationships: The Role of Compassionate Goals

“…This research also suggests that the beneficial effect of compassionate goals extended to this vulnerable population. Our finding regarding the stabilizing effect of partners’ compassionate goals for CEM survivors corroborates recent evidence of positive effects of compassionate goals on people with mood disorders ( Erickson et al, 2018 ). Clinically depressed and/or anxious participants perceived higher support and had lower symptoms on days when they pursued compassionate goals.…”

“…Clinically depressed and/or anxious participants perceived higher support and had lower symptoms on days when they pursued compassionate goals. Moreover, when these participants perceived that their partners had high compassionate goals, their relationship satisfaction increased ( Erickson et al, 2018 ). Taken together, these findings illustrate the power of compassionate goals, even in vulnerable populations.…”